By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LAPLACE – Two armed robberies were reported during the weekend in St. John the Baptist Parish, according to law enforcement authorities.

At least five patrons at Club Illusions were victims of an armed robbery Saturday night in LaPlace, according to the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Public Information Officer Sgt. Dane Clement said witnesses reported four men walked into the bar, located at 403 E. Airline Highway, at about 11:52 p.m.

One, wearing camouflage clothing and dreadlocks, carried a sawed-off shotgun. The other three wore dark clothing with hooded tops. One of the other three carried a handgun.

They ordered the patrons to lie down on the floor and stole at least $200 in cash, two gold chains, cellular phones, wallets and purses.

Back outside, they stole a 1996 Chrysler New Yorker, belonging to one of the patrons. The car was later stopped in Jefferson Parish with three passengers, but it was not known if any of those three were participants in the robbery, Clement said.

Meanwhile, St. John detectives have at least one suspect in the bar robbery.

A second armed robbery was also reported during the weekend on East 14th Street in Reserve, Clement continued.

The victim was at a convenience store when he was apparently lured away by a man promising a contractor job. The victim got into the man’s car and the pair drove to East 14th Street, where they were met by two others.

The trio then beat the victim with some sort of club and robbed him of his wallet containing $400.

A witness to the incident shouted, and the men broke off their attack and fled on foot, Clement continued.

The victim then made his way home on West First Street, from where his wife took him to River Parishes Hospital, and contacted the deputy on duty at the emergency room.

Detective Sgt. Terrill St. Martin is investigating the incident.