On the above date at approximately 3:20pm, Officers with the Lafayette Police Department responded to a theft in progress at the Deal Zone (100 South Creasy Lane). Two subjects, a male and female, had fled the scene in a vehicle after being confronted about stealing items from this business. Responding officers arriving at the Deal Zone located another male victim that had a minor stab wound. The male victim, who had been a bystander, had attempted to intervene when he had witnessed management confront the suspect female. When he attempted to stop the female suspect, she allegedly pulled out a knife, threatened him and stabbed him in the process of getting away. The suspect female and suspect male had fled in a vehicle. The male victim, still at the scene, had minor wounds to his arm. The victim later refused to go the hospital and was treated at the scene.
Other Lafayette Police Officers located the fleeing suspect vehicle near McCarty and Creasy Lane. This vehicle was stopped and two subjects were taken into custody and later arrested. The two arrested parties were identified as Amanda Melville and Thomas Woods.
A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained and merchandise from the Deal Zone, drug paraphernalia and knives were located in the vehicle.
Amanda Melville was charged with Battery with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 5 Felony.
Thomas Woods was charged with Assisting a Criminal, a Level 6 Felony.
The Lafayette Police Department asks that anyone with any further information about this investigation please contact the Lafayette Police Department or call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78 Crime.
The fact a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Lieutenant Joseph Clyde #33
Lafayette Police Department
Patrol Shift Commander
Lafayette Police Department
Press Release