Wednesday afternoon brought horror to a local woman when a man invaded her Minden home and sexually assaulted her using brutal force and the intimidation of his handgun.  It was her description of the man and evidence obtained during an investigation that ensued that led to an arrest less than twenty-four hours later.

 

Christopher “Chris” Craig Bazile, 22, of Minden was taken into custody by local law enforcement late Thursday afternoon and charged with aggravated rape, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

 

The investigative efforts were conducted by the Minden Police Department, with assistance from Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators. 

 

“It was a combination of efforts from the Police Department and the Sheriff's Office that led to this arrest,” explained Minden Police Chief T.C. Bloxom. “There are few of us who do this work; so we all have to come together in horrible cases like this.”

 

According to Webster Sheriff’s investigators, the assault took place while the woman’s infant child was in the residence.  Following the attack, Bazile forced the woman and her child, who was unharmed, into a closet, threatened their lives and proceeded to ransack the home.  Cash and other items were taken from the home.

 

“She did the right thing,” said Sheriff Det. Scott Tucker.  “Despite the threats, she called for help. Once on scene, Minden Detective Cheatham, Detective Reynolds and I all knew we absolutely couldn’t quit until we had this guy in jail. We knew it was a possibility he might attack again.”

 

Officers responded to the call for assistance and quickly began investigations into determining the identity of the perpetrator.  Investigators worked through the night to follow up on all of the leads that resulted in the apprehension.  Bazile was taken into custody following the search of a residence on High Street in Minden .

 

“He [Bazile] was identified, evidence was obtained, and the arrest warrant was issued within twelve hours of the incident,” said Sheriff Det. Sgt. Dustin Reynolds.  “It took less than twelve more to locate and catch him. With violent cases like this we have to stay with it no matter what it takes—sleep or no sleep.”

 

Bazile, a repeat offender and convicted felon, has a history of violence, and was recently released on probation following another incident, according to local authorities.

 

Webster Parish Sheriff Gary Sexton is disheartened that a crime of this nature took place, and disgusted with the actions of Bazile. “He sickens me. I told my investigators there would be no limitations on the amount of energy or expense it would take to apprehend and bring this individual to justice,” he said. “This type of person has absolutely no place in our neighborhood.”

 

According to Sexton, the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department will push for the maximum sentences on all counts that Bazile is charged with. Additional forensic evidence on the case is still pending.  Bazile was transported without incident and booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on Thursday evening.

 "While cases like this are not common in Webster parish, this awful crime happened; and one can't be too cautious,” said Sexton.  “Everyone, and especially women, young people, and others who are often more vulnerable to these types of crimes, should take measures of caution.”

 

Sheriff Sexton advises that when home, one should keep doors and windows locked, not allow strangers into the home, and be careful about what information is divulged. “People who may want to do you harm can learn so much from seemingly simple things you may inadvertently say or do,” he explained. “It's a shame that we have to think so much about our actions--but in these times, no matter where we live, we have to."

The Webster Parish Sheriff's Office has posted a listing of safety tips to the “Reports & Public Notices” section of their website at www.webstersheriff.org to remind people about ways they may help keep themselves and their family members safe.