OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- An Opelousas man was arrested Sunday after holding several family members hostage at knifepoint, authorities said.

Travis K. McGraw, 31, of Opelousas, is charged with seven counts of false imprisonment, six counts of attempted second degree murder, three counts of felony domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and one count of resisting an officer. 

Opelousas Police responded Sunday to a disturbance involving weapons at a residence on the 1200 block of E. Jefferson Steet. Police said they received a distress call indicating that multiple individuals were being held against their will by McGraw, who was armed with knives.

The incident began when McGraw allegedly assaulted a family member in front of her children, armed himself with two knives, and attempted to harm multiple family members, police said. The victims managed to barricade themselves in a room and contacted a relative, who alerted the police.

Upon arrival, officers observed McGraw attempting to flee and apprehended him after a brief pursuit. Authorities said McGraw resisted arrest but was detained and taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked at the St. Landry Sheriff’s Office.

The Opelousas Police Department is seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding this crime or any other crime is urged to contact the Opelousas Police Department at 337-948-2500. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, via email at crimetips@opelousaspd.com, or through the P3 mobile App. Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of those responsible.

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