VPPD looking for rape suspect

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartique is requesting assistance from the public in locating a suspect wanted for rape.
On January 7, 2017 at approximately 1:00 a.m., an officer with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a call involving a possible rape of a 57-year-old Ville Platte resident.
According to a press release from the VPPD, the incident occurred on the “300 block of East Magnolia Street.”
The release went on to state that “upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect broke a glass on the front door of the residence to gain entry” to the home.
Once inside the residence, “the suspect grabbed the homeowner and held her by the throat while he raped her.”
According to the release, “a detective was called to investigate the scene and the 57 year old homeowner was transported to Mercy Regional Hospital for treatment.”
The suspect has been described as a tall black male with a medium build wearing a dark colored jacket.
Lartigue asked that anyone who may have seen someone matching this description between 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. in the area of East Magnolia St., to please contact the VPPD at 363-1313 and speak with a detective. All callers will remain anonymous.