Items stolen from LaPlace vehicles; 2nd suspect sought

Published 12:06 am Wednesday, December 9, 2015

LAPLACE — A LaPlace teenager is in custody and police are searching for a second suspect after electronics and valuables were stolen from an unknown number of vehicles this weekend.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dane Clement said Tuesday morning authorities are still working on how many vehicles were victimized during the Saturday night thefts.

Deputies responded to the 700 block of Bienville Street in LaPlace at 11:09 p.m. Saturday after two male subjects dressed in dark clothing were spotted looking in vehicles in the area.

Deputies initially canvassed the area looking for suspects to no avail.

While responding to another call, deputies saw two male subjects on the 2700 block of Concordia Drive matching the description of the two male subjects from the previous call.

When deputies attempted to talk to the men, both fled. After a brief foot pursuit, deputies apprehended one person, identified by deputies as Donte Labranche, 17, of LaPlace.

As of Tuesday, Clement said Labranche was being held in lieu of a $1,500 bond.

According to authorities, Labranche was carrying a backpack containing cell phones, watches, DVD screens and other items.

Labranche was booked for flight from an officer.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said investigators believe the suspect rummaged through unlocked vehicles in the area and stole the items.

Clement said authorities do not have any information on the second suspect and are trying to determine how many vehicles were targeted and if additional stolen items have yet to be recovered. Police ask anyone from that area of LaPlace with missing items from vehicles to call 985-652-6338 and report it.