Moss Bluff, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for a Florida man wanted in connection with a vehicle burglary that occurred at Sam Houston Jones State Park on October 5.
Eric J. Mallard Jr., 36, of Florida, faces charges of simple burglary, theft valued between $1,000 and $5,000, and simple criminal damage to property. Judge Tony Fazzio set Mallard’s bond at $110,000 on Nov. 13 when detectives issued the warrant for his arrest.
Deputies responded to the state park shortly before 6 p.m. on October 5 after receiving reports of a burglarized SUV. The initial investigation revealed that someone had broken the vehicle’s window and stolen the victim’s property. Investigators later discovered the stolen items had been discarded near the park exit.
Working alongside multiple witnesses and Louisiana State Park Rangers, deputies determined two suspects were involved in the crime and identified a possible suspect vehicle.
Detectives with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit traced the SUV to a rental company based in Florida. When detectives contacted the company, representatives confirmed the vehicle had been rented to Mallard.
The rental company provided a photograph of Mallard taken during the rental transaction. VCIU detectives compared this photo with images obtained from the park during the initial investigation and confirmed Mallard’s involvement in the crime.
Mallard has an extensive criminal history that includes multiple vehicle burglaries and identity thefts, according to authorities. He also has an outstanding out-of-state warrant for burglary and theft.
VCIU detectives have not been able to locate Mallard or identify the second suspect involved in the incident. Detective Tyler McKnight serves as the lead investigator on the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities indicate more arrests are likely.
Anyone with information about Mallard’s whereabouts or the identity of the second suspect is asked to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-491-3605.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.