A three-week investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office along with assistance from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and Winn Parish K-9 Team is still ongoing in connection with the recent thefts of all-terrain vehicles in Natchitoches Parish according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports on April 30 of two-all terrain vehicles valued at approximately $18,000 being stolen in the 1200 block of Hwy. 494, South of Natchitoches.
Deputies arrived on scene, spoke with the complainant and learned two all-terrain vehicles, a 2021 Honda Rubicon, and a 2013 Honda Rancher had been taken during the night.
Deputies gathered information for an offense incident report, photographed and processed the crime scene for investigative purposes.
The case was turned over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Detectives entered the stolen ATVs into the National Crime Information Center as stolen.
As the investigation progressed, detectives learned through confidential sources that one of the ATVs was for sale on a social media platform.
Detectives also learned that individuals were planning on selling one of the ATVs in the Ajax area during the evening of May 2.
After learning of this information, Natchitoches sheriff’s detectives, Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents, patrol deputies along with assistance from Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Detectives and the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team set-up surveillance in the area.
On May 2, the team intercepted a 2011 GMC pickup truck on Hwy. 174 near Cowboy’s Truck Stop as individuals were attempting to unload an ATV. Detectives moved in and took three suspects into custody. Three other suspects fled the scene in the vehicle. Deputies then engaged in a short pursuit with the vehicle crashing in the parking lot of a nearby sawmill.
Two suspects were taken into custody while one remained on the run near a wooded area.
DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Deputies with a K-9 and drone responded to assist. The Winn Parish K-9 Tracking Team also responded.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a social media advisory post informing the public of the incident asking residents to secure their vehicles and call the NPSO if they observed anyone acting suspicious in the area. NPSO Deputies brought all-terrain vehicles to the scene to aid in the search.
The multi-agency search with the use of K-9s and drones lasted throughout the night was unsuccessful in finding the last suspect. Detectives recovered and confirmed the all-terrain vehicle to be the Honda Rubicon reported stolen near Natchitoches April 30. Detectives also seized a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun from the interior of the vehicle.
Detectives arrested:
*Ryan J. Babineaux, 19, of 220 Fairgrounds Rd. in Natchitoches, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.
*16-year-old Natchitoches juvenile charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and later transferred to Ware Juvenile Center in Coushatta.
*Matthew Daniels, 17, 100 block of Mary Dr. in Natchitoches, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Resisting an Officer.
*Kamen Roll, 17, of the 1100 block of Berry Ave. in Natchitoches, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Illegal Possession of a Handgun.
Detectives say charges are still pending on two suspects including the suspect that fled the scene at Ajax.
Detectives say as a result of the investigation and interviews they were also able to recover the Honda Rancher reported stolen during the same time as the Rubicon at an undisclosed location just south of Natchitoches.
Detectives say this is an active and ongoing investigation as they attempt to identify, locate, and arrest other suspects involved in recent thefts of all-terrain vehicles in Natchitoches Parish.
Sheriff Stuart Wright thanks the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Winn Parish K-9 Tracking Team and all NPSO Deputies that took part in this ongoing investigation.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
If you have any information contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 357-7830.
