Several out-of-state suspects accused of break-ins in Sulphur, Lake Charles, Vinton

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are attempting to locate several men who are charged with breaking into vehicles in Lake Charles, Vinton and Sulphur and who may be involved in other related car break-ins.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Tony Mancuso said at 8 p.m. March 8, two Houston men broke into eight vehicles in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Ryan Street. They were later identified as Anthony Carmichael, 21, and Kevin B. Wallace, 21.

Detectives with the Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit learned the suspects got inside the vehicles by busting the windows or damaging door handles. Numerous items were stolen, including purses, wallets, laptops and backpacks.

One victim’s credit card was used to buy a gift card at a local store. After the gift card was used in the Houston area, detectives, along with help from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Police Department Westside Nightshift Crime Suppression Team, identified Wallace.

Carmichael was identified through video surveillance.

Carmichael is charged with eight counts of simple burglary of a vehicle; seven counts of simple criminal property damage; eight counts of theft; and unauthorized use of an access card. His bond is set at $46,000.

Wallace is charged with seven counts of simple burglary of a vehicle; seven counts of simple criminal property damage; and four counts of theft. His bond is set at $53,000.

Vinton burglaries

Another Houston man is accused of breaking into 36 vehicles at 9:30 p.m. March 23 at Cottons Corner Bingo on La. 109 in Vinton. Mancuso said the suspect, later identified as Daniel White, 22, broke the windows and stole guns, wallets, purses, jewelry, backpacks and other items.

While watching security camera footage, detectives saw a white Nissan Rogue enter the parking lot and a man use a tool to break the vehicles’ windows. After getting a license plate number, they traced the vehicle to Texas.

The Rayne Police Department told the CPSO they were investigating two burglary cases involving the same Nissan Rogue. The Crowley Police Department also said they are working possible related crimes and were communicating with Houston Police.

Houston authorities pulled over the vehicle during a traffic stop and identified White. He was arrested on unrelated charges.

When CPSO detectives spoke with White in Houston, he said he was in Louisiana the day of the burglaries, but refused to answer any questions without an attorney present.

White is charged with 36 counts of simple burglary; 36 counts of simple criminal damage to property; 13 counts of theft under $1,000; two counts of theft of a firearm; and theft from $1,000 to $5,000. His bond is set at $430,500.

Louisiana State Police, Houston Police Department Nightshift Crime Suppressant Team and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office assisted CPSO detectives on these cases.

Sulphur burglaries

Three Florida men are charged with breaking into two vehicles in the parking lot of Sulphur Parks and Recreation on March 24. They were later identified as Marrice Ellis, 29; Travis Ward, 29; and Zachary Brooks, 21; all of Fort Lauderdale.

Surveillance footage showed a white Chevrolet Tahoe pull into the parking lot, and a man run up to the two vehicles that were burglarized.

Police in League City, Texas, were involved in a pursuit with the Tahoe on March 26. Ellis, Ward and Brooks were arrested, and detectives found property that belonged to one of the victims in the Sulphur burglary. However, they all bonded out before the CPSO could put detainers on them, Mancuso said.

“I feel certain they are going to screw up pretty quickly and we’ll be able to apprehend them shortly,” he said.

League City police said the three are related to the Fort Lauderdale-based “Felony Lane Gang,” known for traveling interstates and targeting cars parked at gyms, parks and recreation centers.

Ellis, Ward and Brooks are all charged with two counts of simple burglary; two counts of theft less than $1,000; and two counts of simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000. Bonds are set at $21,000 each.

Further investigation

Mancuso said every suspect involved in the burglaries has a criminal history. He said they are likely transporting drugs and stealing from cars on their idle time.

“I think these are just thugs that just prey on the easiest targets they can,” Mancuso said.

More suspects may be involved in the Lake Charles and Vinton car burglaries, and more arrests are likely, Mancuso said. He urged residents to always lock their cars, but added they should also hide or secure any valuables, such as guns, cash or electronics.

“They’ll take anything, but that’s what they’re looking for,” Mancuso said. “It seems like our thieves are getting a little bolder and breaking windows. Guns are for us the most concerning.”

Deputies are attempting to locate several suspects related to vehicle break-ins around the area.