RESERVE — An armed man assaulted a 55-year-old Reserve woman in her home Wednesday, striking her and forcing her into a bathroom.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Office said the victim identified the assailant as a black man wearing a dark jacket.

Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 300 block of Central Avenue in Reserve at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday after the victim reported the assault.

She said when she exited her bathroom an unknown man with a gun confronted her.

“When she struggled with the assailant for the gun, he pushed her to the floor,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “The perpetrator had already taken money from the victim’s purse on the kitchen table. When she attempted to unlock the front door for him to leave, he knocked the keys from her hand and struck her in the face before closing her in the bathroom.”

The victim called 911 for help from the bathroom.

Tregre said he increased patrols in the area and asked everyone to be aware of their surroundings and make special efforts to lock all doors and windows.

After deputies arrived, the victim noticed her bedroom was rummaged through, Tregre said, and the kitchen window was open where the perpetrator gained entry to the residence.

Anyone with information regarding the home invasion 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. Tips can also be submitted online at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.

Those that call Crimestoppers do not have to testify and may qualify for a cash reward.