The Port Barre Police Department says they arrested eight people in connection with a rash of vehicle burglaries and thefts in and around the city. Police say the burglaries have been occurring all over the city and parish for several months.
According to police, an investigation between the department and St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office led to information on the identities of the suspects involved.
Police say a narcotics investigation in Lawtell resulted in the seizure of a pistol which had been stolen out of Port Barre. That pistol, according to police, linked the alleged suspects to the rash of burglaries. Police say they executed arrest warrants for suspects and that each arrest led to new information and evidence.
Several stolen firearms were recovered as a result of the investigation.
Police say that four male juveniles aged 15 to 16 were arrested and booked on multiple counts of Trespassing, Theft of Firearms, Vehicle Burglaries and Theft, Flight from an Officer and Resisting An Officer.
Also arrested and booked in the investigation:
Jonathan Joseph, 17 (Contributing to a Juvenile, Criminal Trespassing, and Vehicle Burglary)
Douglas Zachary, 27 ( Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm)
Timothy Woolridge, 42 (Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm by a Convicted Felon)
Trenessa Andrus, 36 (Obstruction of Justice)
Police say that more arrests are expected to be made.
