LACOMBE, La. — A woman being attacked by a convicted sex offender in a Lacombe-area laundromat was able to fight back and fatally stabbed the suspect, according to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the 28000 block of U.S. Highway 190.
The sheriff’s office said the dead man, identified as 40-year-old Nicholas Tranchant, had been convicted twice in July 2003 and May 2008 on sex crimes.
According to the sheriff’s office, Tranchant entered the laundromat Sunday armed with a sharp weapon and tried to sexually assault the woman who was able to fight back, get possession of the weapon and stab Tranchant before fleeing.
Tranchant was taken to the hospital where he later died. The victim was taken to the hospital and is being treated for unspecified injuries.
Tranchant was convicted in July 2003 for Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. He was convicted again in May 2008 for Attempted Aggravated Rape and Aggravated Burglary. He was released from jail on those charges on December 21, 2023, and required to register as a sex offender.
“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,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.