Suspect Apprehended Following Violent Incident
Law enforcement officials in Deptford Township have taken a Camden man into custody following reports of a violent altercation involving a disabled individual. The suspect, identified as Lahque St. Juste, 32, is accused of forcibly entering a residence on May Avenue this past Thursday.
According to police reports, St. Juste allegedly assaulted the 59-year-old victim before compelling him into a vehicle. The victim was then transported to Camden, where an attempt was made to obtain funds from an ATM.
When the financial transaction proved unsuccessful, the suspect returned the victim to the original location after learning that money might be available at the residence. Authorities were alerted to the situation through an emergency call that was abruptly terminated.
Police Intervention and Arrest
Responding officers arrived at the scene after receiving information from a witness who observed the assault and subsequent forced entry into a black Mercedes sedan. Police positioned themselves in the area and intercepted the vehicle upon its return.
During the apprehension process, the injured victim managed to escape from the vehicle. St. Juste reportedly attempted to seize an officer's weapon before biting another law enforcement member during the detention process. The injured officer received medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Deptford Police Chief Joseph Smith commented on the incident, stating, "I am beyond proud of the heroic actions of our officers. Every shift, they show their dedication to this community and our residents."
The suspect now faces multiple criminal charges including kidnapping, aggravated assault, attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting arrest, and burglary.
