Police has under custody a man who allegedly kidnapped and robbed a male gambler at a Baton Rouge casino. On November 19, Saturday, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office had arrested the suspect, Matthew Johnson Jr., age 32, resident of Baton Rouge, subsequently after a male casino patron identified him as the one who robbed and kidnapped him at the L'Auberge Casino & Hotel.
According to police, on November 5, Saturday, the male victim was in town for the (Louisiana State University) LSU vs. Alabama game and decided to gamble at the casino/hotel where he was also staying for the weekend. The victim said that after he won about $800, he cashed out and decided to go back to his room. In the elevator, an unknown black male (later identified to be Johnson) approached him and started talking to him casually.
The victim did not initially feel that he was in danger at all while with Johnson in the elevator. However, Johnson suddenly said to him, "I have a gun. Do what I say."
They got off the elevator, got into a white Buick Rainier SUV, and proceeded to exit the property, with Johnson driving the vehicle.
According to the victim's report to the authorities, Johnson allegedly talked about buying marijuana and cocaine, demanding the victim to hand him over $200 so he can buy the drugs. The victim said that Johnson drove to an abandoned house, bought the drugs, and then drove around Baton Rouge.
Johnson suddenly stopped and told the victim to get out of the car before showing him a handgun, demanding personal belongings. The victim said he gave Johnson his cellphone, wallet, and a Texas A&M class ring.
Upon reviewing the surveillance video footage, police confirmed the incident and were able to determine a description of the suspect and sent out photos for a media release to local news outlets. The suspect was described to be a black male, stands about 6 feet tall, and with gold teeth in the front of his mouth.
An anonymous tipster reported to police that the man they were looking for was called Johnson. The victim later identified and confirmed Johnson in a six-person lineup of other male suspects with similar characteristics.
Johnson was arrested and charged with armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping. He's currently being held on a $125,000 bond.
Source: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/crime_police/article_b5385dd6-af73-11e6-9875-77584f06cff5.html
