Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have recovered a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) reported stolen in the Cloutierville area on Sept. 29, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
An off-duty deputy residing in Cloutierville was at home around 10:05 pm when he heard what sounded like an all-terrain vehicle traveling along Hwy. 495.
The deputy went outside to investigate and observed a UTV sitting stationary and running just up the street. He entered his take-home patrol unit and approached the vehicle, utilizing his spotlight. Upon seeing the approaching patrol unit, the driver of the UTV immediately fled across a large row-crop field.
An additional deputy, the landowner, the owner of the stolen UTV, and a nearby neighbor searched the field and wooded area until after midnight but were unsuccessful in locating the suspect.
Deputies planned to return to the area Monday morning with all-terrain vehicles to continue searching. Around 7 a.m., the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of a side-by-side abandoned in an open field off Hwy. 1 in Cloutierville. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered an abandoned camouflage 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 SXS Utility Terrain Vehicle.
Deputies noted damage to the front steering assembly. The UTV was reportedly valued over $17,000. A NCIC (National Crime Information Center) VIN check confirmed the UTV as the same one stolen in Cloutierville on Sept. 28–29.
Detectives also responded to the scene. The owner, a local farmer, arrived to take possession of the recovered vehicle.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
If you have any information or observed a UTV being operated in the Cloutierville area around 10:00 p.m. Sunday night, please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.
A reward is still being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved in the theft.
Case Agent: Detective Sgt. Eric Mogridge
