By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

RESERVE — A local man faced down the barrel of a gun Tuesday night while he was robbed and forced to disrobe.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office authorities said the victim was not physically assaulted but went through a harrowing exchange.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday to the 100 block of Star Terrace Drive in Reserve following an armed robbery report.

“The 55-year-old male victim told deputies that while standing outside his residence, a male subject approached him with a handgun, demanded his money and told him to take off all his clothes,” a release from the Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities described the perpetrator as a black male wearing a white T-shirt, blue jean shorts and a white do-rag. There was no information available about the his height or weight.

“(The victim’s) comment was that he was so locked in on the weapon that he didn’t notice anything else,” Sgt. Dane Clement said, adding no injuries were reported.

The gunman is reported to have fled the area on foot with the victim’s wallet, clothing and Polo shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the robbery is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Those who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify and may qualify for a cash reward. Tips can be submitted at stjohnsheriff.com/submitatip.php.