Lake Charles, LA –
On July 3, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives arrested, Dewayne E. Davis, 27, Lake Charles, after an investigation revealed he was responsible for numerous vehicle burglaries in the Lake Charles area.
Since April, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has investigated over 20 vehicle burglaries where the suspect busted the windows to gain access into the vehicles. The investigations revealed the suspect was targeting unmarked and marked police vehicles from local law enforcement agencies, in an attempt to steal law enforcement related equipment and/or firearms that may be located inside.
During further investigation, detectives learned Davis may be a possible suspect. They made contact with him on July 3, at which time he confirmed he was responsible for some of the burglaries. After an execution of several search warrants detectives located burglary tools, 7 firearms, three of which were currently listed as stolen, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as additional items such as handcuffs and body armor.
Davis was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with simple burglary of a vehicle; 2 counts of theft of a firearm; theft less than $1,000; simple criminal damage to property; 7 counts of illegal possession of a stolen firearm; 7 counts of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and 3 counts of unlawful use or possession of body armor. Judge Michael Canaday set his bond at $715,000.
CPSO VCIU Detectives Chris Scharp and James Rathke are the lead investigators on these cases. The investigations are continuing, and more arrests and charges are likely.
“Our dedicated team of detectives have worked tirelessly on these cases, committing countless hours and resources to ensure this suspect was apprehended. Their efforts and operations have paid off, leading to Davis’ arrest and the recovery of some of the stolen items. I want to commend our VCIU detectives for their unwavering dedication and hard work,” stated Sheriff Guillory.
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.