Vandals destory Christmas decorations; 2 arrested in LaPlace

Published 12:10 am Saturday, December 9, 2017

LAPLACE — An inflatable Santa slashed in the front yard of a LaPlace home was one of numerous acts of neighborhood Christmas vandalism that led to the arrests of two local teenagers this week, authorities said.

Roy Verret

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to complaints in the 1300 block of Ridgefield Drive and 400 block of Kenilworth Drive at approximately 10:30 p.m. Monday in reference to homes with damaged Christmas displays.

Torre Johleel Davis

Upon arrival on Ridgefield, deputies discovered a six-foot inflatable Santa slashed in one front yard, as well as lawn decorations damaged at other residences. Authorities said vandals destroyed several Christmas yard displays throughout Riverland Heights, with three victims initially filing reports and several other 911 callers reporting concern but not making reports.

Home surveillance video, according to the Sheriff’s Office, aided in the identification of two suspects — 17-year-old Roy Verret and 18-year-old Torre Johleel Davis, both of LaPlace.

Verret is facing three counts of simple criminal damage to property — under $500. He was arrested and released Tuesday after posting a $3,000 bond.

Davis was arrested Wednesday, charged with three counts of principal to simple criminal damage to property. He posted a $3,000 bond and was released Thursday.