Shreveport, Louisiana – Authorities in Shreveport are searching for a suspect accused of luring and violently robbing a deaf man at a local motel after an online interaction. Police say the victim was assaulted at gunpoint after being led into a planned robbery involving at least two suspects.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about online luring schemes and crimes targeting vulnerable individuals.
Incident Overview
According to the Shreveport Police Department, the armed robbery occurred on January 30, 2026, at a motel located at 2401 Lakeshore Drive. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:13 p.m. following a report of a violent robbery involving a firearm.
When officers arrived, they made contact with the victim, identified as a deaf adult male, who was able to communicate details of the incident using written notes.
Timeline of Events
Police say the victim had been communicating with a woman through Facebook prior to the incident. The woman asked him to pick her up, and he agreed. After meeting her, the victim drove the woman to the Lakeshore Inn Motel, where he paid for a room.
Once inside the motel room, the situation escalated rapidly.
Details From Police
According to information provided by investigators, an unknown male suspect entered the motel room shortly after the pair arrived. The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim, pointed a gun at him, and forcibly took multiple items of personal property.
During the robbery, the woman—identified by the victim as “Rose”—is also accused of taking the victim’s Regions Bank debit card.
“The victim was able to explain the incident through written communication, and officers were able to gather detailed information despite the communication barrier,” police noted during the investigation.
Police later confirmed that both suspects fled the scene together.
Suspect Vehicle and Investigation
Investigators determined that the suspects escaped in a GMC vehicle, which was later captured on surveillance footage in the area. Officers were able to locate the vehicle at a residence connected to the investigation, but the primary suspect was not present at the time.
Following further investigation, authorities identified Javohnta Giounes, 30, as a suspect in the robbery.
An arrest warrant was officially issued on January 31, 2026, charging Giounes with Armed Robbery.
Criminal History of the Suspect
Police say Javohnta Giounes is known to law enforcement and has an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests and convictions for:
- Armed robbery
- Domestic abuse battery with strangulation
- Felony theft of goods
- Possession of Schedule IV narcotics
- Introduction of contraband into a penal facility
- Multiple misdemeanor offenses
Authorities believe Giounes may still be in the Shreveport area or surrounding communities.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Incident Date: January 30, 2026
- Time: Approximately 5:13 p.m.
- Location: 2401 Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport
- Victim: Deaf adult male
- Suspect: Javohnta Giounes, 30
- Charge: Armed Robbery
- Escape Vehicle: GMC vehicle
- Stolen Item: Regions Bank card
Public Safety and Awareness
Police are reminding residents to exercise caution when meeting people through social media platforms. Online luring cases often involve coordinated efforts between multiple suspects and can escalate quickly into violent crimes.
Individuals are encouraged to meet in public places, avoid sharing financial information, and trust their instincts if something feels suspicious. Extra caution is urged for individuals with disabilities, who may be specifically targeted by criminals seeking vulnerable victims.
Conclusion
The investigation into the armed robbery remains ongoing as authorities continue searching for Javohnta Giounes. Police say they are committed to aggressively pursuing violent offenders and ensuring accountability in cases involving vulnerable victims.
Anyone with information regarding Giounes’s location is urged to contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300 immediately.
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