By Pat Culverhouse
A 56-year-old Reno, Nevada man charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident at a local truck stop last month is currently being held in the parish prison following his transfer from Ouachita Parish.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said John Desersa had been held by Ouachita authorities for charges in that parish related to the incident. He was transferred to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center Tuesday.
Desersa is accused of attempting to run down an individual with his vehicle in the parking lot of Love’s Truck Stop around 2 a.m. Tuesday, June 16.
McIver said a second person believed to have accompanied his friend to site was struck during the incident and taken to a Bossier City hospital with a possible broken foot.
According to the chief, a female believed to be Desersa’s estranged wife and five juveniles were in the vehicle at the time of the incident. After slamming two vehicles and striking one man, Desersa reportedly fled eastbound on Interstate 20.
A BOLO was issued for the vehicle and Louisiana State Police reportedly made the stop near Monroe.
During interviews, detectives reportedly learned domestic issues in Reno apparently resulted in Desersa leaving Nevada with his wife and children. He was reportedly tracked via cellular phone to the Minden area by the individual he allegedly attempted to run down with his vehicle.
Charges against Desersa include hit and run (two counts), aggravated assault and aggravated second degree battery. He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $27,500 bond.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.