Two Lake Charles men have been arrested in a string of Westlake vehicle burglaries in which multiple firearms and an ATV were among items stolen.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kayla Vincent said video surveillance allowed deputies to locate two possible suspects and their clothing descriptions after 19 vehicle burglaries were reported on July 5.

Vincent said while deputies were patrolling the area, they located two individuals matching the clothing descriptions — later identified as Dre C. Gregory, 24, and Oliver A. Mitchell, 20.

“When the deputy attempted to make contact with Gregory and Mitchell they fled the area, but were quickly apprehended,” Vincent said. “Deputies also located one of the previously stolen firearms near where the suspects were found.”

After further investigation, a search warrant was conducted on a residence associated with both Gregory and Mitchell, at which time deputies located a stolen ATV along with seven firearms inside the residence.  Four of the recovered firearms were previously stolen during the vehicle burglary spree in Westlake and one was reported stolen out of Cottonport.

Gregory and Mitchell were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.  They are both charged with 19 counts of vehicle burglary; eight counts of theft of a firearm; six counts of theft less than $1,000; possession of a stolen firearm; and theft of a motor vehicle.

Judge Tony Fazzio set Gregory’s bond at $573,500 and Mitchell’s bond at $573,000.