Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives arrested an Ajax man in connection with a business burglary in northwest Natchitoches Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.

Patrol Division deputies responded to reports of a business burglary at Cowboy’s Truck Stop, located in the 900 block of Hwy. 174 near Ajax March 7 at 4:45 am.

They learned while speaking with the complainant that forced entry was gained into the business through a rear door.

Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division also responded to the scene.

Items reported stolen in the burglary was the business safe containing $1,200 in cash and some checks.

Over the next 10 days, detectives reviewed business surveillance video and began to focus on a part-time employee of the business identified as Willie Lee Clark.

Clark resided within five miles of the business.

Patrol Shift “A” Deputies arrested Clark at his residence without incident March 17.

Willie Lee Clark, 49, of the 200 block of Jim Rivers Road in Ajax, was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with 1-count of Simple Burglary.

Clark, who has a prior criminal history, remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

Detectives say the safe has not been recovered.

Detectives C. LaCour, and J. Byles investigated the case assisted by the Patrol Division.

If you have any additional information concerning this burglary contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 357-7830.

The case will be turned over to the Natchitoches District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.