Gretna Man Arrested Following Home Invasion Investigation in Terrebonne

March 30, 2026

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of a Gretna man on charges stemming from a Home Invasion complaint, investigated by the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division.  David Michael Blackwell, 32, was arrested in connection with the incident, late Sunday evening.

On March 29, 2026, shortly before 10:45 p.m., Deputies were dispatched to an apartment on Thomas Drive in reference to a reported burglary in progress.  The caller, determined to be a minor child, reported that an unknown male forced entry into the residence, and was actively attacking her mother.  During the call, Dispatchers could easily hear yelling on the phone, and obvious indicators of a disturbance taking place in the background.

Deputies arrived on scene within minutes and immediately made contact with the victim and caller, where they observed signs of a disturbance and what appeared to be minor injuries to the victim.  Deputies also observed evidence of forced entry to the residence, including a shattered window and a large wooden post, believed to have been used to gain entry to the residence.

Through the investigation, Deputies learned that the victim met the suspect through a social media dating platform earlier that same day.  The victim indicated that she and the suspect met for a short time outside the residence, before he departed.  The victim advised later that night the suspect returned to the residence uninvited, forcing his way into the apartment, and physically attacked her.  The victim reported being struck and choked during the altercation, which temporarily impeded her ability to breathe. 

Deputies confirmed that the suspect fled the scene prior to their arrival, but not before the victim was able to provide critical information, including a description of the suspect’s vehicle and license plate number.  While actively patrolling the area, Deputies located the suspect vehicle concealed behind a building on Prospect Boulevard.  A coordinated felony stop was conducted, and a suspect was taken into custody without incident.  Deputies confirmed the identity of the suspect as David Michael Blackwell, 32, of Gretna.

During the investigation, Deputies located a considerable amount of evidence at the scene, linked to Blackwell, as well as additional evidence located during a search of Blackwell’s vehicle. 

Deputies transported Blackwell to a local hospital, where he received medical treatment for a minor injury suffered during the incident.  David Michael Blackwell was later transported to the

 Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, where he was booked on a Home Invasion (Felony Battery) offense.  Blackwell remains in custody on a $50,000.00 bond by local judges.

The victim was evaluated on scene by emergency medical personnel and released. 

The victim’s identity is not being released in connection with this investigation.

“This was a violent and dangerous incident that could have had an even more tragic outcome. I commend the quick actions of our Deputies and the bravery of the victim and her child in contacting Authorities.  This case highlights the importance of exercising caution when meeting individuals online.  We urge our community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or threatening behavior immediately.”

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.

ALL ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

---