UPDATE: Evangeline Parish deputies have arrested two people in connection with a rash of vehicle thefts that happened last month in the Reddell area - but they're still seeking one person.
Tron Jack Jr., 17, was booked with theft of a motor vehicle and released to the custody of a guardian. Malik Charles, 19, also was booked, deputies say.
They still are seeking Jalen V. Thomas, 18, who is known to frequent the areas of Ville Platte and Eunice.
Here's a surveillance picture of Thomas:
If anyone knows Thomas' whereabouts, they are asked to call the Investigations Division at 337-363-2161. All callers can remain anonymous.
Here's our original story:
Deputies say they are investigating a rise in vehicle thefts in Evangeline Parish.
Sheriff Eddie Soileau says that his deputies have responded to five thefts during the month of June. In those thefts, four vehicles have been recovered.
On June 4, two vehicles, a 2008 Dodge Ram pickup and a 2018 Nissan Rogue, were stolen from a residence in the 200 block of Benny Street. Deputies say the Dodge was recovered but the Nissan has not been found.
On June 12, another vehicle was stolen and recovered in the city limits of Ville Platte. The vehicle was processed and an investigation is ongoing.
On June 16, two vehicles were stolen in the Redell area between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. A 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee was reported stolen from the 1200 block of Lahaye Road. A GMC Sierra was also reported stolen from the 1200 block of Huey Road.
77eputies say a vehicle matching the description of the GMC Sierra was reported at a McDonald’s on Tate Cove Road in Ville Platte on June 17. When deputies arrived they say that Ville Platte Police had confirmed the vehicle was stolen. One person was also in custody.
Two other suspects had reportedly fled the vehicle as police arrived. The detained suspect was taken to the Evangeline Parish Jail for questioning and was released pending further investigations.
Deputies say two people, Tron Jack Jr. and Jalen Thomas, are wanted for Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
On June 18, deputies say that they were notified that the Jeep Grand Cherokee was located abandoned in Houston, Texas. An investigation into that theft is ongoing.
Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 363-2161. All calls will remain anonymous.
