The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating an attempted abduction that occurred Friday night and the sheriff has a message for families and parents as they trick or treat.
According to Sheriff Jason Ard, deputies were contacted about a possible abduction around 5 p.m. on October 30. He says the suspect allegedly kidnapped two juvenile females at gunpoint. WBRZ reports the teens, one 15 and one 14, were walking to a nearby Dollar General in Springfield when a man in an SUV approached them and forced them into their vehicle.
As the suspect traveled from Livingston Parish into Tangipahoa Parish, the suspect's vehicle was involved in a single vehicle crash. Following the crash, the suspect and two victims were transported to the hospital for injuries related to the accident.
The crash, WBRZ reports, was caused by one of the teenagers, who remembered skills her father taught her.
Phillip Pigott says he told his daughter that if were ever in that situation to "fight, fight, fight," and to never let the kidnapper make it to the interstate, as it would be more difficult to escape.
The teen remembered this advice and repeatedly attempted to grab the steering wheel from him while he was driving, an action her father says caused the car to crash. The teens then found some people nearby, who restrained the suspect until authorities arrived.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Albert Lawrence Lavigne, Jr., was taken into custody upon release from the hospital by TPSO as a fugitive from LPSO. Lavigne is awaiting transport to the Livingston Parish Detention Center to be booked on outstanding warrants.
Lavigne is facing two counts of second degree kidnapping.
"Tonight is Halloween night. We know a lot of you plan to take part in trick or treating or other festivities. Be alert. Know your surroundings. Patrols have been increased in Livingston Parish - like we do every Halloween - to keep an eye out for you & your families. Stay safe," urges Sheriff Ard.
The investigation is ongoing.
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