Family and friends of Jacob Hudson seek justice following attack in Downtown Ruston

RUSTON, La. (KNOE) - The Ruston Police Department is investigating an incident that happened outside of Ponchatoula’s on Saturday, April 5.

Several viewers reached out to the KNOE newsroom about a victim who they say was attacked outside of the restaurant while celebrating his birthday.

“He truly just loves people and I just hate to see the best person that could ever have been to go through this,” said Jayda Naron, Jacob Hudson’s best friend.

Naron posted on social media and created a GoFundMe page after the incident occured.

Naron said in her social media post that Hudson was helping another women get to her car because she felt uncomfortable around some other men at the restaurant.

According to a GoFundMe campaign, witnesses said a group of 8-10 men attacked the victim shortly after he walked the woman to her car, and he was left with a broken jaw.

“I was up from 3:00 am Saturday until 11:00 pm Saturday because I was so angry at what horrible human beings would have done something to somebody who is so gentle and kind and loving in this world,” said Naron.

Naron said she and her boyfriend woke up early Saturday morning with a text from Hudson saying they needed to meet him at the hospital in Ruston, but he was later taken to a hospital in Shreveport.

The GoFundMe added that the victim had three plates put into his jaw during surgery resulting from the incident.

Naron said Hudson has a long road for recovery.

“He will be on a liquid diet for a few months, and I’m unsure of what the doctors have said completely about it, but I’m pretty sure he won’t be able to eat the same for I’m sure at least a year, definitely a few months,” said Naron.

Naron recalled her emotions once she saw Hudson in his condition.

“It really upset me having him tell us what he was experiencing in that traumatic moment of him almost just wanted to cry out for help and he couldn’t,” said Naron.

Naron said the Ruston Police Department has been working tirelessly to investigate the case and the family also thanked the community for their support during this difficult time.

“This family is not going to feel any peace until justice is served because we are so worried about Jacob’s well-being, and it’s just also a worry knowing these guys are still out there,” said Naron.

The Ruston Police Department sent a statement on their facebook page regarding the incident.

“We understand the seriousness of this situation and the concerns it has raised within our community,” RPD posted on Facebook. “Please know that we are treating this matter with the utmost urgency. Our department is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of the victim and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

RPD asked the public for help in the investigation.

Anyone with information, “no matter how minor,” can contact the police department at (318) 255-4141.

KNOE reached out to the Ruston Police Department, but they could not comment further on the investigation.