Suspects Escape from Back of LPD Vehicles After Crazy Domestic Dispute

LUBBOCK, TX — A disturbance at a South Lubbock home led to multiple arrests Tuesday night, including charges of assault, interference with an emergency call, escape from custody, and violation of a protective order.

According to court documents, officers responded to a call regarding a disturbance at the 3900 block of 148th Street on May 19. When officers arrived, they saw a male exiting the residence, who was later identified as the juvenile son of 34-year-old Laurie Laduke. He was detained and placed in a patrol vehicle. Officers then entered the home and detained Laduke as well.

Police spoke with Brian Ritter, 51, who stated that Laduke, his ex-girlfriend, and her son showed up at the residence and attempted to force their way in. Ritter told officers Laduke tried to kick in the front side door while her son jumped the fence, kicked open a rear bathroom door, and let her inside. Court documents state video footage provided by Ritter confirmed the forced entry.

Once inside, Laduke and her son allegedly entered Ritter’s bedroom and began assaulting him. Ritter told officers he was grabbed and beaten by both Laduke and her son, causing visible redness to his neck and pain. 

Ritter also reported that the juvenile attempted to take his phone while on the line with 911. That detail was consistent with dispatch records, according to court reports.

Police observed damage to the bathroom and front side doors per Ritter’s account. While being questioned, Laduke claimed she had not entered the residence, but officers noted that she appeared highly intoxicated at the time.

Laduke was arrested and charged with assault. Her son, whose name was not released due to his age, was arrested for assault and interference with an emergency request for assistance. He was taken to the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center.

While being transported in a patrol car, police state Laduke managed to slip out of one handcuff and unknowingly escaped from the vehicle by rolling down a window. She fled on foot into the main lanes of I-27 but was quickly arrested by another officer. She now faces an additional charge of Escaping from Custody.

In a separate but related incident, officers learned that Ritter was also in violation of a protective order restraining contact with Laduke. Ritter reportedly admitted that the two had been out drinking at Crawdaddy’s earlier that night and had been living together for several weeks, despite the active order.

While being transported to the Lubbock County Detention Center, Ritter also slipped his cuffed hands to the front of his body, broke a rear window of the patrol unit, and jumped out of the moving vehicle near the 9800 block of I-27. The officer reduced speed quickly, and Ritter fled on foot before being recaptured after a short foot chase. He was taken to UMC for medical clearance and later booked.

Laurie Laduke remains in custody at the Lubbock County Detention Center on a $6,500 bond. 

Brian Ritter is being held on a $10,000 bond.