LAPLACE — A group of armed teenagers was arrested this week, police said, adding the suspects are tied to a LaPlace burglary and potentially linked to similar crimes in the area.

Those arrested include 17-year-old Lance Joseph and four male juveniles, ages 14 to 16, all from LaPlace.

A resident in the 500 block of Welham Loop in LaPlace told police while returning home Tuesday morning she discovered an open kitchen window that was unsecured and several missing designer accessories and electronics valued at nearly $2,000.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s deputies were able to obtain descriptions of the subjects that entered the residence through video surveillance.

According to a Sheriff’s Office release, deputies observed five male subjects matching the descriptions in the area of Madewood Drive near Melrose Street at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“Upon contact, officers observed one subject, later identified as the 16-year-old suspect, toss a handgun onto the ground,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “All subjects were detained. Officers also discovered a handgun in one subject’s … front pants waistband.”

Both weapons were loaded, police said.

Upon further investigation, officers recovered some of the reported stolen items on the person of the four juveniles, police said.

The suspects may be linked to similar crimes in the parish, according to authorities. Anyone with information about the break-in is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Those who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify and may qualify for a cash reward. Tips can be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.

• Joseph is charged with felony simple burglary – immovable structure and illegal carrying of weapons. He is being held in custody in lieu of a $35,000 bond.
• One 15-year-old juvenile is charged with simple burglary – immovable structure.
• One 15-year-old juvenile is booked with simple burglary – immovable structure and illegal possession of stolen things.
• The 14-year-old juvenile is booked with simple burglary – immovable structure.
• The 16-year-old juvenile is booked with illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and simple burglary – immovable structure.
• The 14-year-old and the two 15-year-old juveniles were released Tuesday to the custody of their parents. The 16-year-old was transferred Tuesday to the Terrebonne Juvenile Detention Center.