Lake Charles, Louisiana — A 22-year-old Lake Charles man has been arrested and charged with two felony counts following a domestic disturbance at a home on 19th Street, according to the Lake Charles Police Department.

Around 2:24 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2026, officers were dispatched to a residence on 19th Street in reference to a reported disturbance. While officers were on the way, the caller told dispatchers that a male at the residence was threatening to shoot people.

Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter around the home to secure the area and identify the individuals inside. Police say they identified the suspect as Kevonte Francis, 22, of Lake Charles.

Officers learned that Francis was inside the residence allegedly committing a battery on his girlfriend and was armed with a firearm. Authorities also determined that several people were inside the home during the incident, including the couple’s minor child, who was among those who reportedly witnessed the battery.

In an effort to remove everyone from the home as safely as possible, officers began calling for all occupants to exit the residence. As the victim came out, officers observed what they described as severe bruising and swelling on her face and arms, as well as a laceration on part of her arm. She was later transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Francis was taken into custody at the scene. The Lake Charles Police Department reported that the case was then turned over to its Detectives Division for further investigation.

After being transported to the Lake Charles Police Department for booking, Francis was moved to the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.

According to police, Francis faces the following charges:

• One count of Domestic Abuse Battery, Serious Bodily Injury (Felony)
• One count of Domestic Abuse Battery, Child Endangerment (Felony)

The warrant in the case was signed by Judge Kendrick Guidry, and Francis is being held with no bond, police said.

Lake Charles Police listed Officer Landon Turano as the initial responding officer. Detective Hope Sanders is noted as the investigator on the case, and Evidence Officer Melanie Cooley and Evidence Officer Briana Staggs are listed as the evidence officers.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Lake Charles Police Department at 337-491-1311 or leave an anonymous tip through the Lake Charles PD mobile app.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.