44-Year-Old Louisiana Man Arrested in Rapides Parish After Allegedly Committing Battery on an Elderly Victim

Rapides Parish, Louisiana – A 44-year-old man from Louisiana was arrested in Rapides Parish for allegedly committing battery on an elderly victim.

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) reported on May 31, 2023, that on May 5, they got a report of a battery on an elderly victim at a nearby business. The victim sustained serious injuries, prompting Sheriff’s Detectives to launch an investigation.

Surveillance video was collected on May 11, 2023, and photographs of the suspect and a vehicle were posted on the RPSO Facebook page, where tips were received through Crime Stoppers of Cenla.

Sheriff’s Detectives were able to identify the accused as Ronnie Dale Stelly, 44, of Abbeville, Louisiana, based on their investigation and a Crime Stoppers report. Investigators were able to get a warrant for Stelly for 2nd Degree Battery as a result of their investigation.

Stelly surrendered to deputies at the Rapides Parish Detention Center on May 22, 2023, and was booked with 1 count 2nd Degree Battery. Stelly was released the next day after posting a $2,000.00 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives thanked everyone who helped with the investigation.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.