Smash and Grab Bandits Captured

Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has released the following:

VILLE PLATTE, LA - Sunday morning, January 26, 2020, two smash-and-grab burglaries were committed at local stores. Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Deputies were called out to the 1000 Block of Chicot Park Road (B&S Neighborhood Market) and the 3300 block of Chataignier Road (Blue Junction Convenience Store) for property damage and a burglary.

Detective Tyla Godeaux was assigned the cases and received assistance from Major Jeremy Mitchell and Captain Dwayne Ledoux. During Detective Godeaux initial investigation he learned B&S store owner Amy Dupre released a  video taken from her video surveillance system and posted it on Facebook. Several witness tips were received in which one identified the vehicle used in the burglary and contacted store owner. The information led to multiple arrest.

Jeffrey Thibodeaux, 34 of 1572 St Julien Road, Eunice, LA was arrested and charged with Simple Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. Bond set at $50,000.00 by 13th Judicial Judge Gary Ortego. Pictured below.

Steven Larue, 33 of 1032 Dewey Loop, Basile, LA was arrested and charged with Simple Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $40,000.00 by 13th Judicial Judge Gary Ortego. Pictured below.

Heather Manuel, 33 of 1572 St Julien Road, Eunice, LA was arrested and charged with Principle to Simple Burglary. Bond was set at $35,000.00 by 13th Judicial Judge Gary Ortego. Pictured below.

Detective Godeaux said that the suspects drove up to the stores in a red 2009 Ford Platinum F150 pickup. The front door glass of each store was damaged with a hammer like object gaining entry only into the Blue Junction.

Investigation is still ongoing as to suspects may be connected to other thefts and burglaries in the local area.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance. As always EPSO encourages information on criminal activity and urges the Public to contact our Investigation Division via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency's website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org. Always remember any person reporting information will always remain anonymous.

CAPTURED                                        

Heather Manuel          

DOB 9-17-1986

 

Steven Larue

DOB 11-4-1986

 

Jeffrey Thibodeaux

DOB 6-20-1985

      ARRESTED                  ARRESTED                ARRESTED