Three arrests have been made following two smash-and-grab burglaries at stores in Evangeline Parish.
Deputies say these burglaries happened on Sunday, January 26. The two burglaries were reported in the 1000 Block of Chicot Park Road at B&S Neighborhood Market and the 3300 block of Chataignier Road at Blue Junction Convenience Store.
In those incidents, detectives say the suspects drove up to the stores in a red Ford pickup. The front door glass of each store was damaged with a hammer or similar object. Suspects were allegedly able to gain entry into the Blue Junction store.
During an initial investigation detectives learned that the owner of B&S store had released a video taken from 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. That information led to the arrests of 34-year-old Jeffrey Thibodeaux of Eunice, 33-year-old Steven Larue and 33-year-old Heather Manuel of Basile.
Thibodeaux was arrested and charged with Simple Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. Bond set at $50,000. Larue was arrested and charged with Simple Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $40,000. Manuel was arrested and charged with Principle to Simple Burglary. Bond was set at $35,000.
Investigations are still ongoing and they suspects may be connected to other thefts and burglaries in the local area, deputies say.
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.
