LACOMBE, La. — When St. Tammany Parish deputies responded to a stabbing at a Lacombe laundromat Sunday, they learned a woman had been attacked by a man who’s a convicted sex offender. Then they realized it was the woman who stabbed the man.
“I was a little shocked of how it all happened,” said Lacombe resident Dusin Palmisano.
Palmisano learned what happened the next day. According to the sheriff’s office, Nicholas Tranchant, 40, walked into the laundromat with a sharp weapon and tried to sexually assault the woman. She fought back, got the weapon, and stabbed Tranchant.
“It’s great that she was able to turn the tide and defend herself,” said Palmisano.
Tranchant was taken to the hospital, where he died. According to the sheriff’s office the woman was also injured and taken to the hospital. She’s expected to recover fully.
“I want to compliment this brave woman on the courage and strength she showed in fighting back against her attacker and ask for prayers for her continued recovery,” said Sheriff Randy Smith in a statement.
“It’s horrible to hear something like that, could have went way worse for the victim,” said Palmisano.
Tranchant was first convicted of indecent behavior with juveniles in 2003. He was then convicted of attempted aggravated rape and aggravated burglary in 2008. He was released from jail just two and a half months ago, in December.
According to his last registered address, he lived less than half a mile from the laundromat.
According to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Tranchant was following the conditions of his release and had met with probation and parole officers 11 times.
“I was thinking of my wife for instance going to do laundry and having that situation,” said Palmisano.
Palmisano says something like this, happening so close, causes some uneasiness.
“That’s nerve-racking,” said Palmisano.
According to the sheriff’s office, the woman who was attacked will not be charged with any crime.
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