By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office has successfully investigated several burglary and theft-related cases this past week.

Dozer stolen

Captain Keith Dupre, chief of detectives, reported Detective Stanley Washington investigated a dozer, which was taken off of the Pine Point Road where it was stored. Washington located the dozer, which had been sold, He has a person of interest in custody, but no charges had been filed at press time. Dupre said charges were expected to be filed soon. He said the person in custody was a resident of Evangeline Parish.

Burglaries solved

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and Basile Police Department joined forces to solve several break-ins in this parish, which were linked to other burglaries in Acadia, Allen and Jeff Davis parishes.

At press time, it appeared two male juveniles were going to be charged in this matter, one 15-year-old and one 16-year-old, but the investigation was underway. On Wednesday, authorities were able to solve nine of these burglaries through evidence and information they had gathered. A total of three shotguns were recovered along with a pistol. Dupre said he was expecting another pistol to be brought to his office Monday. Several GPSs and radar detectors and an IPod had been recovered.

Dupre thanked Fire Chief Ted Demoruelle who assisted the investigation by providing two divers to enter a bayou in Jeff Davis Parish where they recovered a four-wheeler. He said Demoruelle is always willing to assist them.

Dupre also thanked Detective Robert “Beef” Brickley, who assisted them with information on one suspect. He also assisted in recovering evidence in the case. Dupre said Brickley is always willing to help. He also thanked Chief Allen Ivory, Basile, for sharing information and working with the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Eddie Soileau thanked the public for its assistance in these cases, as well as the other law enforcement agencies. He said evidence is still being gathered, so if someone has any information, he encouraged them to contact his office at 363-2161. He said all callers will remain anonymous. He reminded residents they play an important part in crime prevention by contacting his office with information about any suspected illegal activity.

Four wheelers

Dupre said residents should secure their four-wheelers either by locking them or placing them inside locked sheds. He said at times four wheelers become hot items among thieves, and they are trying to eliminate future thefts of four-wheelers. He said no one wants to think this could happen to them, but it does happen. He said this week a four wheeler was stolen from U.S. Highway 167 and located in Ville Platte by the Ville Platte Police Department. He urged residents to secure their possessions to make it harder for thieves to take.