On Wednesday, January 13, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 18253 Old Perkins Place Avenue, Prairieville in reference to a home invasion.

According to Major Kevin Hanna, the homeowner, Dana Cowart, reported that between 7 and 7:30 a.m. while preparing to leave for work, she attempted to secure all doors to set the alarm. Cowart noticed that a utility door was not closed and as she approached the door, two black males wearing bandanas armed with handguns jumped out of the utility room forcing Cowart back into the home.

Dana told detectives that she was struck in the face with one of the handguns and the two suspects demanded she lay on the ground as they went through the home. She then stated that the suspects made her open a family safe where a gun and an undisclosed amount of money was taken and demanded her to remain in the closet as they fled the scene.

As the investigation continued, Dana told detectives that the suspects were possibly friends or acquaintances of her daughter, later identified as Tayler, as they asked for her daughter by name. While detectives were processing the scene, a strong odor of illegal narcotics was detected from the home. Drug paraphernalia was found in the home, along with a handgun and evidence of illegal narcotics.

As a result of Narcotics being located in the home, Dana, her husband Clay, and daughter Tayler Cowart, all of 18253 Old Perkins Road, Prairieville, were arrested. Detectives are currently seeking whereabouts on the two suspects at large. Clay Cowart, 45, was charged with possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and illegal carrying of weapons. His bond was set at $10,000.

Dana Cowart, 45, was charged with possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and illegal carrying of weapons. Her bond was set at $2,500.

Tayler Cowart, 18, was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. All three were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail and Tayler was released Wednesday night and both Dana and Clay were released Thursday afternoon.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-621-INFO (4636) or by texting 847411 to our anonymous tip line from any cellular device or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867). To be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers immediately