(Ouachita Parish) - On July 22, 2025, at approximately 11:57 p.m., Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a missing child at a residence on Highway 80 East in Monroe. The child was last seen riding an ATV with 40-year-old Rickey Knotts in the nearby cornfields and wooded area. While the rest of the group returned safely, Knotts failed to bring the child back. OPSO Deputies immediately launched a search of the area, which continued through the night.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., the child was located on Highway 80 near the Lion’s Stop by a family member. The child flagged her down from the roadside, while Knotts was seen attempting to hide in a nearby field. Deputies later learned that Knotts intentionally evaded law enforcement with the child, forcing him to hide in wooded areas and ditches throughout the night.
Following an investigation, OPSO has obtained warrants for Rickey Knotts for the following charges:
· Simple Kidnapping
· Cruelty to a Juvenile
· False Imprisonment
Knotts has an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests for rape, kidnapping, domestic battery, and theft. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rickey Knotts is urged to contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately at 318.329.1200.