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Man arrested following armed robbery at Abbeville residence

Posted at 10:38 AM, Feb 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-21 11:38:19-05

Abbeville Police say one man has been arrested following an armed robbery at a residence.

34-year-old Joshua Vanslyke was arrested on Tuesday following an investigation by the Abbeville Police Department into the alleged incident.

Joshua Vanslyke
Joshua Vanslyke
Courtesy Abbeville Police Dept.

The victim told police he gave Vanslyke a ride to his residence on Messina Street. Upon entering Vanslyke’s residence Vanslyke allegedly produced a rifle and demanded the victim give him the items in his possession. Police say the victim placed his items on the floor and was forced to remove his shoes.

Vanslyke allegedly punched the victim twice in the face and threatened to shoot him.

The victim was able to flee and call for help from a nearby residence, according to police.

Upon arrival to Vanslykes residence police say they were unable to make contact with anyone. Police obtained a search warrant for the residence and detained Vanslyke when he exited the back of the home.

Police say Vanslyke allegedly admitted that he and the victim were in the residence together but denied robbing anyone. Vanslyke allegedly stated that he and the victim were “getting high” together and that the victim left on his own.

Officers executed the search warrant for the residence and located the alleged stolen property. Vanslyke was also found to be wearing the victim’s shoes at the time of the arrest.

Police say that during booking Vanslyke again denied robbing the victim, but confessed to beating him up because he “spoke negatively about Mr. Vanslyke’s girlfriend.”

Vanslyke was booked on a charge of Armed Robbery and was transported to the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center.

The victim suffered minor lacerations to his face but refused medical attention.