LAPLACE — A lack of car keys might have prevented the escalation of a brazen carjacking attempt this week in LaPlace.

According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a business on Belle Terre Boulevard at approximately 2 p.m. Monday in reference to the complaint.

Deputies were told two people were stopped at a gas station when an unknown male approached the driver, who was fueling up their vehicle.

An assailant removed the gas nozzle from the vehicle, and the victim attempted to block him from gaining entry into the vehicle.

The assailant forcefully moved the victim out of the way and entered the vehicle’s driver seat.

A second victim was in the passenger seat while the assailant attempted to start the vehicle.

“Due to keys not being in the ignition, the male subject exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot,” a Sheriff’s Office release said. “Through investigation, detectives developed (Rashan) Kelly as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.”

Kelly, 24, of LaPlace was arrested Tuesday and booked with simple battery and attempted carjacking.

He is being held in custody in lieu of a $20,750 bond.