Sheriff says two robberies may be connected
Published 12:00 am Monday, September 11, 2006
Man reportedly bragged about crime after holdup at Riverbend Truck Stop
By KERI CHAMPION
Staff Reporter
RESERVE – Police are investigating whether a man arrested for an armed robbery in LaPlace was also involved in a separate robbery in Reserve earlier in the evening.
“An anonymous tip led to the arrest of an armed robbery suspect early Friday morning. An unidentified caller advised police that a man was bragging about committing a robbery at Riverbend Truck stop in LaPlace,” said Mike Tregre, spokesperson for St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.
According to police reports, the suspect went to the beer cooler got a beer and brought it to the counter and put the beer on the counter. He then demanded money from the cashier who proceeded to give it to him and the suspect fled.
The tip led to the arrest of Ezekiel Landix III of LaPlace after he had allegedly bragged about committing a robbery. The tipster informed police of the location of the suspect.
“Officers arrived at an apartment complex located on Highway 628 in LaPlace where they devised a plan of approach and later converged on the area. The suspect was found in the front passenger seat of a dark colored Toyota Camry and arrested,” Tregre said.
“Police recovered both the weapon used in the Riverbend robbery and the exact denomination of money taken from the building. The suspect subsequently confessed to the robbery and is currently being held.” said Tregre. Landix’s bond is set at $75, 300.
Another robbery at Marie’s Magic Mart in Reserve is also under investigation at this time. The sheriff’s office received the call at approximately 10:58 pm informing them of the incident.
“A subject entered Marie’s Magic Mart with a handgun and demanded money from the cashier and then ran towards Central Avenue,” said Tregre. Police are investigating whether there is any connection to the Riverbend robbery.