Convicted Sex Offender Fatally Stabbed While Trying to Assault Woman

A convicted sex offender was fatally stabbed Sunday (March 3, 2024) afternoon at a Lacombe-area laundromat after he tried to assault a female at the establishment.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the business in the 28000 block of U.S. Highway 190 in reference to an unresponsive man with an apparent stab wound. The man, 40-year-old Nicholas Tranchant, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

While enroute to the call at the laundromat, STPSO deputies were dispatched to a call in reference to a female claiming she had stabbed a man who had attacked her while she was at the laundromat.

An investigation into to the incident revealed that Tranchant, a convicted sex offender, had entered the laundromat armed with a sharp weapon and was attempting to sexually assault the female when she fought back.  The female was able to gain possession of the weapon, and used it to stab him before fleeing to safety. She also sustained injuries during the altercation and was transported to an area hospital, where she is being treated.

Tranchant was convicted in July 2003 for Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. He was convicted again in May 2008 for Attempted Aggravated Rape and Aggravated Burglary.  He was released from jail on those charges on December 21, 2023, and required to register as a sex offender.

“I want to compliment this brave woman on the courage and strength she showed in fighting back against her attacker and ask for prayers for her continued recovery,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.