In separate cases teens linked to St. John gun thefts, attempted B&E

Published 12:10 am Saturday, October 28, 2017

LAPLACE — In separate incidents, three teenagers were arrested this week, connected to the theft of two guns and attempting to break into a LaPlace home.

Police announced they are still looking for the guns, which were reported missing early this month.

Two 13-year-olds were charged Monday  with attempting to break into a LaPlace home in broad daylight, police said.

A female complainant told St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies she observed two unknown boys, at approximately 11:20 a.m. Monday, in her backyard approaching the patio door of her home, which is located in the 2100 block of Lafitte Drive.

When the boys saw the complainant through the door, they ran towards a canal bank and then to Golfview Drive.

Through investigation, officers discovered the point of entry was through an unlocked gate.

Officers canvassed the area and located the suspects in the 2000 block of Lafitte Drive. They were identified as a 13-year-old LaPlace juvenile and his 13-year-old cousin from Baton Rouge. Both were booked for attempted simple burglary and criminal trespass – immovable property. Each was released from custody the same day, one to his mother and the other to his grandmother.

In a separate investigation, a 16-year-old male from LaPlace was arrested Monday in connection to a theft of two firearms from a LaPlace residence.

On Oct. 9, deputies responded to the 600 block of Camelia Avenue in LaPlace in reference to two guns being stolen from the residence.

Upon arrival, officers learned two shotguns were missing from the residence. During the course of the investigation, authorities said St. John deputies developed the 16-year-old juvenile as a suspect. Based on investigation, a judicial warrant was obtained and the juvenile was arrested this week.

The juvenile was transferred to the Terrebonne Juvenile Center, and police said the guns have not been recovered.

Anyone with information about theft is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Tips can also be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.