Westlake, Louisiana – Detectives from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit (VCIU) are actively searching for David N. Richmond, a 35-year-old man from Westlake, Louisiana in connection with the theft of heavy equipment. The investigation began on December 16 when detectives responded to a report of an excavator that had been stolen from a cemetery on Fletcher Road in Westlake.
During the initial inquiry, the victim informed detectives that the excavator had been taken the previous night. On December 18, the victim took proactive measures by placing an Apple Airtag on the excavator, which subsequently provided a location signal indicating that the equipment was at a residence on Miller Avenue in Westlake. Detectives promptly responded to the location and successfully recovered the stolen excavator.
Upon further investigation, detectives spoke with Richmond at the residence. Richmond claimed that an unknown individual had dropped off the excavator for him to repair. However, as the investigation progressed, authorities obtained a search warrant for Richmond's phone, which was then seized as evidence. The analysis of Richmond's phone revealed his involvement in the theft of the excavator.
On February 4, detectives issued a warrant for Richmond's arrest. The investigation did not stop there; further inquiries uncovered that Richmond was also responsible for stealing a skid steer from the same location back in June 2024. As a result, an additional warrant for his arrest was issued on February 7.
Despite multiple attempts by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, including efforts from the Special Operations Group and the Warrants Division, authorities have yet to successfully locate Richmond. He is currently charged with two counts of theft, with the value of the stolen equipment ranging between $5,000 and $25,000. Judge Tony Fazzio has set Richmond's total bond at $80,000.
Detective Barry Miller is leading the investigation and is urging anyone with information regarding Richmond's whereabouts to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-491-3605.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.