21-year-old charged in New Year’s Day rape

Lake Charles Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Brenda Treadway said a home invasion and sexual assault occurred Sunday in the 300 block of West McNeese Street. That afternoon, an arrest was made without incident and the suspect booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.

Treadway said the victim told officers she had been beaten and sexual assaulted.

It was learned the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Milton Ryan of Lake Charles, forced entry into the home through a rear window, entering a room where the victim was sleeping.

Detectives were able to obtain video surveillance and a suspect vehicle description and located the suspect at his residence in the 5600 block of Elliott Road. He was booked on the charges of first-degree rape, home invasion and second-degree battery.

Judge Robert Wyatt assigned the total bond amount of $250,000.

Treadway said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Lead Detective Sgt. Christoper Johnson at 337-491-1311.

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