Rickey Wayne Knotts has been arrested. Knotts was wanted for 1 count of simple kidnapping, 1 count of false imprisonment, and 1 count of cruelty to a juvenile.
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 allegedly 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