Lake Charles, LA –
On July 5, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives were dispatched to numerous neighborhoods in the Westlake area in regards to 19 vehicle burglaries, with a total of 8 firearms stolen along with other miscellaneous items and an ATV.
During the initial investigations, detectives viewed video surveillance and were able to locate two possible suspects along with clothing descriptions. A short time later deputies, who were patrolling the area near where the burglaries occurred, located two individuals matching the clothing descriptions, later identified as Dre C. Gregory, 24, and Oliver A. Mitchell, 20, both of Lake Charles. When the deputy attempted to make contact with Gregory and Mitchell they fled the area, but were quickly apprehended. 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 the 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, LA.
Gregory and Mitchell were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. They are both charged with 19 counts of vehicle burglary; 8 counts of theft of a firearm; 6 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.
CPSO Cpl. Tanner Atwell is the arresting deputy on these cases. CPSO VCIU Detectives James Jones, James Rathke, and Chris Sharp are the lead investigators 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.