Two held in home invasion, assault, stabbing

Acadia Parish authorities have arrested two Eunice-Iota Hwy. residents in connection with a home invasion and attempted second-degree murder that occurred early Thursday afternoon.
According to Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon while officers were responding to the incident that occurred in the 5000 block of the Eunice-Iota Hwy. they observed and attempted to stop the suspect vehicle a black Chevy S-10 pickup that was occupied by two white male suspects.
According to police logs, the chase began on Tiger Lane at 1:07 p.m., going east to La. 13, then south toward Mowata, then West on La. 370, then west on Grey Fox Road, then north through several yards before subjects jumped out on foot about 1:20 p.m. in the 3600 block of La. 91.
The foot chase went into a wooded area that extended approximately 10 miles. Suspect Billy West, 37, was apprehended at 1:30 p.m., records show.
The second suspect, James Rozas, 26, fled into the wooded area and was apprehended without incident six hours later.
Investigating officers advised that West and Rozas drove to a residence in the 5000 block of the Eunice Iota Hwy and made forced entry.
Rozas allegedly assaulted a female who was able to free herself and run to a neighboring home for assistance. Rozas then began fighting with a male subject in the residence, authorities said.
A short time later, West allegedly entered the residence and also began assault the male subject. The male subject sustained cuts to his back and hands. He was transported to a Eunice hospital where he was stabilized and transferred to an Opelousas Hospital. His injuries are considered to be non-life threatening.
West and Rozas are charged with home invasion, criminal damage to property and attempted 2nd degree murder.
Records indicate officers involved were from the Acadia department as well as Eunice police, State Police, Eunice Marshal’s Office and Wildlife and Fisheries.
Melancon did not indicate whether the suspects and the victims knew each other or what the alleged motive of the incident might have been.
The investigation is continuing.