By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

HAHNVILLE – A federal task force working in New Orleans captured a Des Allemands man who was wanted on rape and battery charges stemming from an incident earlier this month in St. Charles Parish.

Sgt. Dwayne LaGrange, public information officer for the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office said 28-year-old David Wedge Jr., 302 First St., Des Allemands, was apprehended in New Orleans Thursday afternoon by a task force of U.S. Marshalls. LaGrange said an anonymous tip divulged Wedge’s whereabouts, and the marshalls moved in.

According to a Sheriff’s Office report, Wedge was wanted in St. Charles in connection with a verbal fight with his live-in girlfriend on August 13 that turned physical. The report says that during the altercation, which took place inside the girlfriend’s home, Wedge allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face then forced her into his vehicle.

Once inside the vehicle, Wedge threatened to kill the victim. In an attempt to escape, the victim jumped out of the moving vehicle, but Wedge was able to force her back into the car. The two drove back to the victim’s residence, where Wedge continued to beat the victim. He then physically restrained the victim and proceeded to rape her.

LaGrange said Wedge is still being held in Orleans Parish Prison on various pending charges. When Wedge is transported to St. Charles, he will be facing charges of aggravated rape and second-degree battery to go along with fugitive, probation and parole charges.