***Swat Team Takes man into Custody During a Search Warrant in the Mandeville Area***
On November 30, 2021, a Mandeville man, who was known to have extensive violent criminal history, was taken into custody by the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics team. This incident took place in the 21000 block of Firetower Road in Mandeville.
At approximately 0900 hours, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Property Crimes Unit, was notified of the possibility of stolen property being present at that location.
Upon further investigation, an attempt to make contact with the known male at the residence was conducted. Deputies made contact with 34 year old Secret Landry, who stated it was a good possibility that her boyfriend, 43 year old Christopher Lee Ricker may be in the residence, but she was not sure. Deputies attempted to call Ricker out of the residence, with no success.
Ricker was known by investigators to have several outstanding arrest warrants.
Due to the nature of Ricker’s violent criminal history and the fact he barricaded himself inside the residence, Investigators requested the assistance of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team for execution of a search warrant and to apprehend Ricker.
After attempts were made to have Ricker exit the residence and surrender were unsuccessful, the SWAT Team made entry into the residence and located Ricker hiding under a mattress. He was taken into custody without incident.
Christopher Ricker was charged with felony theft of property, misdemeanor possession of stolen property, resisting arrest. He was also arrested for the outstanding warrants for misdemeanor theft, sexual battery, simple burglary, possession of an unregistered weapon, possession of a concealed weapon by a convicted felon, and possession of stolen items with a value between $5,000 and $25,000.
Ricker was booked accordingly into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
“Anytime we deal with a violent criminal and we successfully take them into custody without a Deputy getting hurt or the suspect being hurt either - that is a success,” Sheriff Smith stated. “We will utilize any and all of our resources available to ensure the safety of everyone.”
Public Information Officer - Contact Information
Captain Lance Vitter – 985-809-8225 or lancevitter@stpso.com
Assistant Public Information Officer - Contact Information
Corporal Carli Messina – 985-276-1349 or carlimessina@stpso.com