LAPLACE — A LaPlace homeowner successfully kept a felon out of his home last week following a confrontation at the Derek Lane location, authorities said.

According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ellis Batiste Jr., 24, is being held under a $35,000 bond for felony unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Police said Batiste confronted a homeowner in his front yard Thursday evening, attempting to follow him inside the residence.

“A short time later, Batiste attempted to gain entry into the home through the front door,” according to a Sheriff’s Office release. “When the homeowner confronted Batiste at the front door, Batiste pushed his way into the residence, and the homeowner was able to push Batiste back out of the door and secure the door.”

Batiste, a convicted batterer according to authorities, was arrested the same evening at another Derek Lane residence for unauthorized entry and is being held on a probation and parole detainer.

Police said Batiste also is a person of interest in an aggravated criminal damage to property case that occurred April 15 in Garyville.

Anyone with information on the cases is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS, dispatch at 985-652-6338 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Residents can also submit tips at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.