Lake Charles, LA –
On October 4, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Investigative Unit (VCIU) detectives received several complaints in reference to multiple vehicle burglaries and a theft of an SUV in a neighborhood off Nelson Road in Lake Charles.
While deputies were on scene conducting their initial investigation, they located an abandoned vehicle, which was learned to have been reported stolen through LCPD earlier the same night. A short time later, deputies along with VCIU detectives located the stolen SUV in an apartment complex off Ace Street in Lake Charles. Detectives viewed video surveillance and with the assistance of the CPSO Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), they were able to identify one of the suspect’s as a 17 year old juvenile. Detectives issued a warrant for his arrest.
On October 10, CPSO VCIU detectives were notified in reference to the same SUV being stolen again. It was learned the suspects had stolen and kept a key fob to the vehicle. It was later learned the suspects used the SUV to commit several vehicle burglaries along with another vehicle theft in two subdivisions, off W. McNeese Street in Lake Charles and S. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur. The same night it was discovered LCPD was investigating several vehicle burglaries in the Lake Charles area when they located the 17 year old juvenile CPSO had previously issued a warrant for and another possible suspect, Javante L. Bryant, 18, Lake Charles, who had unrelated active warrants through LCPD and CPSO. LCPD was also able to recover the key fob to the stolen SUV. They were both arrested; the juvenile was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center and Bryant was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.
After further investigation, CPSO detectives along with RTCC deputies were able to confirm Bryant was involved in the vehicle burglaries and thefts on October 4 and 10. They were also able to identify two additional suspects, Quelon F. Watt, 18, Sulphur and another 17 year old juvenile. On October 14 VCIU detectives issued warrants for their arrest.
Bryant and the juvenile who had been previously booked in are charged with 12 counts of simple burglary; 2 counts of theft of a motor vehicle over $25,000; theft of a motor vehicle $5,000 - $25,000; 2 counts of theft of a firearm; and theft less than $1,000. Watt and the other juvenile are charged with 9 counts of simple burglary; theft of a motor vehicle over $25,000; theft of a motor vehicle $5,000 - $25,000; 2 counts of theft of a firearm; and theft less than $1,000. Both juveniles are additionally charged with 2 counts of juvenile in possession of a handgun. Judge David Ritchie set Bryant’s bond at $510,000 and Watt’s bond at $405,000.
CPSO detectives have attempted to locate Watt and the other juvenile but have been unsuccessful. They are asking anyone with any information to call CPSO at 491-3605 or Crime Stoppers at 439-2222.
The investigations are ongoing and more charges are possible. CPSO VCIU Detective Tyler McKnight is the lead investigator on these cases.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.