Berwick man faces rape charge in St. Landry

A Berwick man, previously accused of shooting at police officers, has been indicted on a rape charge in St. Landry Parish.

Tyler Jermaine Sylvester, 26, Versen Street, Berwick, was arrested Tuesday by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office on a charge of first-degree rape.

The victim of the suspected rape told the Sheriff's Office about the attack July 29 during preparation for another trial involving Sylvester, St. Landry Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said.

The suspected rape occurred the night before deputies tried to arrest Sylvester on other outstanding warrants Aug. 2, 2022.

"The victim, after dealing with the trauma of the ordeal, made this information known to the Assistant District Attorney during case preparation," Guidroz said.

Sylvester was scheduled for trial on four counts of attempted first-degree murder. He is alleged to have shot at deputies attempting to arrest him on outstanding warrants.

“Sylvester has a long history of domestic violence and flight from officers," Guidroz said. " This recent development clearly illustrates the extreme trauma that can be caused from domestic violence and other serious crimes against persons.

"The courage and bravery exhibited by the victim in this case cannot be understated. It is possible to escape the chains of domestic violence; our District Attorney’s Office and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office stand ready to help in any way possible.”

Anyone with additional information about this crime is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-948-6516.