(Natchitoches)-Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives recently arrested a 16-year-old Natchitoches juvenile in connection with the theft of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in the Grand Ecore area near Natchitoches according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On Tuesday August 30, 2022 at approximately 5:50pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of an all-terrain vehicle being stolen from private property in the 1900 block of La. Hwy 6 East near Natchitoches, La.
Deputies say upon their arrival and while speaking with the complainant (owner) they learned that his red 2005 Honda 350 ATV apparently was stolen during the night of August 29.
Deputies gathered information for an offense report and photographed the area.
The case was forwarded to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for investigative purposes.
During the investigation, detectives learned through sources and video evidence that a suspicious gray Chevrolet SUV pulling a utility trailer had been seen in the area.
As the investigation progressed on September 1, detectives were able to identify and obtain a license plate number on the vehicle.
The week prior that same vehicle was observed by an off-duty deputy and concerned citizens acting suspiciously on La. Hwy 495 in Cloutierville.
Deputies were able to stop, identify and document the names of the occupants in the vehicle during that time.
Detectives would later contact the parent of the juvenile and learned through their cooperation that the juvenile brought an ATV home in the City of Natchitoches on September 3, 2022.
Detectives obtained permission to search the property, discovering the stolen Honda 350 ATV covered in the backyard with a tarp.
Detectives retrieved the ATV and transported it to the Natchitoches Detention Center for safe-keeping until the owner could be notified.
The juvenile was transported to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau, administered Miranda warnings, interviewed in the presence of parents and charged with Theft over $1000.
The juvenile was released to parents pending a juvenile court appearance.
Detectives are still attempting to identify a possible second suspect in the investigation.
Deputies continue to advise the public to keep your all-terrain vehicles and other valuable outdoor equipment secured in well-lit secure areas or shops with surveillance video if possible. Keep your vehicle identification and serial numbers available in case of theft.
Detectives have learned through sources that thieves are riding around communities in the daytime spotting all-terrain vehicles and other outdoor equipment left out in plain sight then returning late at night stealing them by riding them off because the keys were left in the ignition or pushing them out to roadways and then loaded onto a trailer.
Detectives ask if you see suspicious activity (something not ordinary) in your community to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or 357-7851. Provide descriptions of persons or vehicles when calling complaints in.
Case Agent:
Detective Cpt. D. Winder
318-357-7830
