Jennings man arrested after stabbing

JENNINGS, Louisiana – A Jennings man was arrested after police say he stabbed a person in the stomach.

According to Jennings Police, on July 22, 2024, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of West Street to investigate a domestic stabbing.

Jennings police stated that the victim initially refused to open the door for officers. It was later determined that the suspect, Derrick Mitchell, attempted to get the victim to tell police to leave. Officers entered the home, saw Mitchell fleeing out the back door, and pursued him for several blocks before arresting him.

Officers and emergency responders treated the victim, who had a non-life-threatening wound to the abdomen. The victim was later transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, officials report.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Mitchell started the verbal argument, which led to a physical altercation. Mitchell struck the victim several times and strangled her. He then gained access to a knife and stabbed the victim in the stomach. The victim’s 10-year-old son was present during the altercation, authorities say.

Derrick Lavoy Mitchell, 55, of Jennings, was arrested and booked into the parish jail for violations of LA RS Code 14:35.3.P, Domestic Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 14:35.3.I, Domestic Assault with Child Endangerment, 14:35.3.7, Domestic Assault with Strangulation, and 14:108, Resisting an Officer, as determined by the Jennings Police Department.