A man wanted in Georgia on rape and kidnapping charges was arrested Sunday night in Rayville following a multi-agency search, authorities said.
Jorge Eduardo Hinojosa, 45, was taken into custody on Rescue Street within the Rayville city limits, according to Richland Parish Sheriff Neal Harwell.
“Jorge Hinojosa has been apprehended,” Harwell said in a statement. “Deputies with the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office took Hinojosa into custody on Rescue Street within the Rayville city limits.”
Hinojosa was wanted by the Candler County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia in connection with a sexual assault that occurred Feb. 27 in the area of Webb Circle. Following the initial investigation, arrest warrants were secured for rape and kidnapping.
Georgia investigators developed information Hinojosa had fled the state and was believed to be in Louisiana. Louisiana State Police were notified in an effort to intercept him.
On March 1, Hinojosa fled from Louisiana State Police on Interstate 20 in the Rayville area. During the pursuit, he crashed his vehicle and fled on foot, prompting an extensive manhunt involving multiple agencies.
Law enforcement officers later spotted Hinojosa in the Rayville area late Saturday but were unable to apprehend him at that time.
The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted Louisiana State Police in locating Hinojosa near the I-20 corridor, Harwell said.
“Hinojosa is currently being transported to a local hospital for evaluation,” Harwell said on Sunday. “We appreciate the partnership with Louisiana State Police and the cooperation of our community during this operation. Thank you to all deputies and assisting agencies for their professionalism and dedication in bringing this situation to a safe resolution.”
The Louisiana State Police gave credit for the arrest to cooperation among all agencies involved.
“This fugitive from justice was taken into custody as a direct result of the perseverance, coordination and unwavering dedication of all agencies involved,” LSP said in a statement. “The collaborative efforts of the Louisiana State Police, the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, and our local law enforcement partners demonstrate firsthand our shared commitment to public safety and to protecting the communities we serve.”
