VILLE PLATTE, LA – Sunday morning, January 26, 2020, two smash-and-grab
burglaries were committed at local stores. Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were
called out to the 1000 Block of Chicot Park Road (B&S Neighborhood Market) and the
3300 block of Chataignier Road (Blue Junction Convenience Store) for property damage
and a burglary.
Detective Tyla Godeaux was assigned the cases and received assistance from Major
Jeremy Mitchell and Captain Dwayne Ledoux. During Detective Godeaux initial
investigation he learned B&S store owner Amy Dupre released a video taken from her
video surveillance system and posted it on Facebook. Several witness tips were received
in which one identified the vehicle used in the burglary and contacted store owner. The
information led to multiple arrest.
Jeffrey Thibodeaux, 34 of 1572 St Julien Road, Eunice, LA was arrested and charged
with Simple Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. Bond set at $50,000.00 by 13 th
Judicial Judge Gary Ortego. Pictured below.
Steven Larue, 33 of 1032 Dewey Loop, Basile, LA was arrested and charged with Simple
Burglary and Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $40,000.00 by 13 th Judicial
Judge Gary Ortego. Pictured below.
Heather Manuel, 33 of 1572 St Julien Road, Eunice, LA was arrested and charged with
Principle to Simple Burglary. Bond was set at $35,000.00 by 13 th Judicial Judge Gary
Ortego. Pictured below.
Detective Godeaux said that the suspects drove up to the stores in a red 2009 Ford
Platinum F150 pickup. The front door glass of each store was damaged with a hammer
like object gaining entry only into the Blue Junction.
Investigation is still ongoing as to suspects may be connected to other thefts and
burglaries in the local area.
Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their assistance. As
always EPSO encourages information on criminal activity and urges the Public to contact
our Investigation Division via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency’s website at
www.evangelineparishsheriff.org. Always remember any person reporting information
will always remain anonymous.
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Press Release