Lake Charles man charged with kidnapping, assault

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - A 29-year-old Lake Charles man is in custody after kidnapping and threatening to kill an ex-acquaintance, authorities said.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Kim Myers said Joseph R. Ward was arrested Sunday on charges of second-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault, simple battery, theft and violation of protective order.

"Around midnight Saturday, the Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a kidnapping," Myers said Monday in a news release. "Detectives learned Ward took an ex-acquaintance against her will in her car.

"He battered her with his fists and threatened to kill her numerous times. Ward eventually drove the victim to her house where he continued to hold her against her will overnight. While at the residence, he held a knife to her throat. Ward released the victim the next day but would not return her cell phone."

Myers said the victim has an active restraining order against Ward.

Bond was set at $357,000.