‘Armed and dangerous’ rape suspect accused of skipping trial in Tangipahoa Parish

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. ( WGNO ) — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a rape suspect who allegedly failed to show up for his trial on Monday, July 15.

Deputies are searching for 55-year-old Gerald Stevens, who they said was supposed to appear in court on charges of third-degree rape involving a juvenile stemming from a 2021 incident.

Stevens was last seen on Wednesday, July 17 at a relative’s home in Roseland driving a blue and silver Chevrolet Silverado Z71 with a Louisiana license plate reading Z277939.

Stevens is believed to be armed with a gun and was making threats to hurt himself, according to deputies.

Anyone with information on Stevens’ location is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2070 or Crimestoppers of Tangipahoa Parish at 1-800-554-5245.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker is advising all officers who come into contact with Stevens to use caution when approaching him.

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