Hammond police chief details 14-hour search for captured alleged kidnapping and rape suspect

HAMMOND, La. (WGNO) — The Hammond Police Department, along with several agencies, captured and arrested 18-year-old Donnie Lee Stevenson in connection with a kidnapping and rape investigation that began Thursday night.

“I promised the family myself, and Sheriff Sticker promised the family that we would not go home until he was in custody,” said Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron.

A promise was kept, as Bergeron detailed the 14-hour search that led to the capture of Stevenson.

“We were able to identify him, running in a direction of east, literally from where we started, which was I-55 and Highway 40. We had officers that were in the area, and we were able to converge on him and get him into custody,” said Bergeron.

Police say on March 20, around 7:30 p.m., a woman reported that Stevenson forced her into her car at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Hammond Square Target.

He then allegedly drove her to an undisclosed location and raped her.

After Stevenson was captured, police say he showed no signs of remorse. However, Bergeron says that was the least of his concerns.

“We have a young girl who was victimized by this. Look, I just call it. It is. He’s a monster. He committed a heinous act against this girl. I’m happy that he’s in custody. I’m glad that hopefully he will spend the rest of his life in jail,” said Bergeron.

Stevenson faces charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated rape and illegal possession of stolen property he was seen driving in the Target parking lot before the attack.

With Stevenson’s arrest, the Hammond Police Department promises to be there for the victim every step of the way.

“We have the court process that we’re going to have to go through. We’re going to have a lot of things. And she’s going to have to be strong. I just feel for her. I feel for the family. If you’re going to victimize our citizens, we’re going to do whatever we have to do to get you in custody and put you in jail,” said Bergeron.

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