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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Attempted Murder Suspect and 3 Others for Vehicle Burglaries

Published June 11, 2021

Three suspects, including one wanted for attempted 1st-degree murder, have been arrested by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies in Lake Charles in connection with vehicle burglaries and other crimes.

Lake Charles, LA – Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the areas of East Gauthier Road and Tom Hebert Road in Lake Charles on June 6 at approximately 4:00 a.m. in reference to several vehicle burglaries that had occurred in the area. Deputies were given a description of the car possibly responsible for the burglaries during the initial investigation.

Shortly after that, Calcasieu Parish deputies were able to locate a car matching the description in the area of Gulf Highway in Lake Charles, at which time they conducted a stop on the car. During the stop, the Calcasieu Parish deputies made contact with the three occupants, James S. O’Neal III, 18, a 16-year-old juvenile, and a 17-year-old juvenile, all of Crowley, Louisiana. During the investigation, Calcasieu Parish detectives learned the 17-year-old had an active warrant through Crowley Police Department for attempted 1st-degree murder. During a later search of the vehicle deputies located a total of 4 firearms; one of which had been previously reported stolen through Jennings, Louisiana Police Department and another which had been stolen earlier that morning during the vehicle burglaries in south Lake Charles.

It was discovered during further investigation that the suspects had traveled from CrowleyLouisiana to Lake Charles, Louisiana to commit the vehicle burglaries and that they had been armed when they committed the crimes.

All three suspects were arrested and charged with 2 counts of simple burglary; 2 counts of theft under $1,000; 2 counts of possession of a stolen firearm; and theft of a firearm. The juveniles suspects were additionally charged with 2 counts of possession of a handgun by a juvenile. O’Neal was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and the juveniles were booked into the Juvenile Detention Center.

Bonds have not yet been set.

The investigation is continuing and more charges are possible.

The lead investigator on this case is Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Warner Levy.

The featured image is of James S. O’Neal III of Crowley.
Featured image source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.