By LEONARD GRAY

NORCO – Baton Rouge serial killer task force investigators came to Hahnville this week to take DNA samples from William P. McGuire Jr., who is charged with kidnapping a woman and throwing her off the Interstate 10 bridge near Norco. The incident occurred Tuesday and began when McGuire, 31, of 47 Southpark Drive Apt. 214 in Baton Rouge, went to his 26-year-old girlfriend’s home some time before 6 a.m.

St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg C. Champagne said McGuire had been arguing with the woman for two days, because she wanted to end the relationship after about a month. Champagne added McGuire produced a handgun and forced the woman to leave with him, headed to Florida.

The pair stopped for gasoline at a Chevron station in Gonzales and, while he was paying for the gas, she ran across the street to a restaurant. She tried to get help but he forced her back to the vehicle and they departed. Meanwhile, the incident at the restaurant prompted a call to the State Police.

As the vehicle passed LaPlace, McGuire allegedly began punching the woman. As she defended herself, the struggle caused the car to strike the guardrail of the 12-mile bridge near the East Guide Levee of the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

After the vehicle hit the rail, it began smoking from the cracked radiator. She got out and tried to flee. However, McGuire ordered her to jump to the marsh 18 feet below them.

She refused, and he grabbed her and threw her off. Then, after a long moment, he leaped after her as Trooper Christopher Maurin approached. As Maurin watched, McGuire her by the hair and forced her to the guide levee. As St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Stacy Finn approached, McGuire tried to drag the victim into a wooded area.

Finn later took him into custody. St. Charles Parish charged McGuire with attempted second-degree murder, possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance and DWI.

The woman was treated and released from a local hospital. McGuire is in custody at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.

Champagne himself only learned of the incident Tuesday after the apprehension and only obtained details of the incident following a meeting in Baton Rouge.

In Baton Rouge, McGuire will likely face a charge of aggravated kidnapping.

Champagne said McGuire was considered as a possible suspect in the Baton Rouge serial killer case, as the auto finisher works in a body shop and has access to several vehicles, including a white pickup truck similar to one believed used by the killer.