One arrested, two sought in rash of vehicle burglaries
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives have arrested one man — and are looking for two more — in a string of burglaries of unlocked vehicles on June 24 and June 29 in south Lake Charles and Moss Bluff.
Spokesperson Kayla Vincent said CPSO Real Time Crime Center detectives were able to locate surveillance footage from several residences and businesses located near where the burglaries occurred. When detectives viewed the surveillance they saw three unknown men in a silver four-door sedan responsible for the burglaries.
Vincent said on July 4 detectives learned the Lake Charles Police Department responded a vehicle burglary on Sugarloaf Drive in Lake Charles and detained one of the suspects, later identified as Jermaine C. Obrien Jr., 20, Lake Charles. During further investigation it was learned Obrien was one of the suspects seen in the surveillance footage from the burglaries that occurred on June 24 and 29. It was also discovered Obrien has a silver four-door sedan registered to him.
After further investigation, on July 14 VCIU detectives issued a warrant for Obrien’s arrest signed by Judge Tony Fazzio. He was located on July 18 after a traffic stop and was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He is charged with 16 counts of simple burglary; three counts of theft of a firearm; three counts of possession of a firearm by persons convicted of domestic violence; and four counts of theft less than $1,000. After a subsequent search of the vehicle, he was found to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine and marijuana. He was additionally charged with possession of CDS II with intent to distribute; and possession of marijuana. His total bond is set at $150,000.
Detectives continued their investigation into the vehicle burglaries and later identified the other two suspects, Taveon E. Williams, 20, and Melchezieck J. Simon, Jr., 20, both of Lake Charles. On July 20 detectives issued warrants for their arrest signed by Judge David Ritchie. Williams and Simon are charged with 16 counts of simple burglary; three counts of theft of a firearm; and four counts of theft less than $1,000. Williams is additionally charged with three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. illiams’ bond is set at $640,000 and Simon’s bond is set at $381,000.
CPSO deputies attempted to located Williams and Simon but have been unsuccessful. If anyone has any information on their whereabouts or recognize Williams or Simon they are asked to call CPSO at 491-3605 or Crime Stoppers at 439-2222. Det. Tyler McKnight is the lead investigator on these cases.