Lake Charles, Louisiana – Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call at a business on Highway 90 E. in Lake Charles, Louisiana on January 29th. The call was in response to multiple vehicle burglaries that had taken place over the weekend a few days earlier.
At the beginning of the investigation, it was found that the criminals had cut the barbed wire on the fence in order to enter the area. Once inside, they stole the Common Powertrain Controllers from 6 vehicles. After examining the surveillance footage from the company, the detectives were able to recognize a white Jeep as the suspect vehicle, as well as see three individuals who were responsible for the break-ins.
After conducting more thorough research, detectives reached out to various law enforcement agencies along the Gulf Coast to inquire if they were investigating any similar burglaries. It was subsequently uncovered that the Richland Police Department in Mississippi was actively investigating numerous cases that involved a white Jeep.
On January 27th, detectives discovered that law enforcement in Mississippi had pulled over the vehicle believed to be involved in the crime. Afterward, search warrants were executed in relation to the suspects, leading to the recovery of 60 electrical components for vehicles that were suspected to be stolen. These components included the Common Powertrain Controllers that had been taken from the business in Lake Charles.
As a result, three suspects named Anthony G. Douglas III, Kenneth D. Lewis, and Javon C. Noble, all residents of Houston, Texas, were apprehended and taken to Rankin County Jail in Mississippi for their involvement in the burglaries.
After conducting further investigation, detectives from the CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit have issued arrest warrants for Douglas, Lewis, and Noble, who are currently being held in custody in Mississippi. They have been charged with 6 counts of simple burglary, 6 counts of simple criminal damage to property in the range of $1,000-$5,000, 6 counts of theft ranging from $1,000-$5,000, unauthorized entry of a business premises, and simple criminal damage to property amounting to less than $1,000. Judge Kendrick Guidry has set their bonds at a total of $66,000.
Detective DiQuan Bennett from the CPSO VCIU is in charge of investigating these cases.
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.