On Monday, investigators with the Ruston Police Department arrested a man in an alleged rape case. Ruston resident Kerrick D. Chambers 23, was charged with one count of forcible rape.
According to the Ruston Daily Leader, the victim came to the Ruston Police Station "physically shaking and obviously distraught" in the early hours of Monday morning.
The victim reportedly told police that she went to the suspect’s home because she thought he was a friend, but things changed when he began to rub on the victim’s buttocks. The victim informed police that Chambers was told that wasn’t the reason she had come over.
She informed police that the suspect then threw her on the bed, at which point Chambers had sexual intercourse with the victim.
The victim reportedly told Chambers to stop and attempted to resist him. Once the victim was able to get free, she reportedly contacted a friend to explain what had happened.
"I hate that this incident had to happen to her, it always makes me sad to hear things like this," said Oniesha Stevenson, a senior criminal justice major from Atlanta.
"This incident makes me pay attention to my surroundings more, I will definitely think twice before going over someone’s home."
According to a press release from the Ruston Police Department, "the victim was subsequently transported to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center for treatment and a forensic examination by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Patrol officers then contacted detectives, who continued the investigation. Based upon information gathered, a search warrant was applied for and granted for the suspect’s residence, the search warrant was executed and the suspect was transported to the Ruston Police Department."
Deputy Police Chief Clint Williams said Chambers was brought in for questioning regarding the allegations.
The affidavit stated that Chambers admitted that the victim came over to his house and that he did try to have sexual intercourse with her. "Chambers admitted that the victim left his residence visibly upset, but he did not know why."
An interview with the victim’s friend and text messages between Chambers and the victim helped to piece together the victim’s story.
Chambers is currently being held at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with no bond.
"I just saw the suspect earlier this week, it’s crazy to think that he was accused of such a horrible crime," said Chelsea Brown, a senior biology major from Houston.
"You can’t judge a book by its cover."
If anyone has information regarding this or any other crime, they are requested to contact the Ruston Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 318-255-4141 or Crimestoppers of Lincoln Parish. Call 318-255-1111, text a tip to "TIP515 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637), or submit a tip online at www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers.com.