Opelousas, LA (1/23/2023) – Officers with the Opelousas Police Department made several arrests after investigating a stolen vehicle complaint.
Shortly after 12:00 P.M. on January 21, 2023, officers responded to the Indian Hills subdivision area after receiving a call from On Star Service reporting that a vehicle stolen from Beaumont, TX, was indicated to be in the area.
Officers quickly converged on the area, locating the vehicle on Attakapas Dr. Officers attempted to make contact with the occupants, leading to a brief pursuit. Once On Star Service had disabled the vehicle, the suspects fled on foot as officers deployed the services of K-9 Officer Kobra.
Officers ultimately detained four (4) minors that were in the vehicle. During the investigation, officers located two (2) firearms and a small amount of marijuana inside the stolen vehicle. One of the firearms located in the vehicle had an obliterated serial number. This is commonly found when weapons are either stolen or used in previous crimes.
After contacting the parents of the detained minors, the investigation resulted in three (3) of the four (4) minors being charged with the following:
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
- Aggravated Flight from an Officer
- Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm,
- Possession of a Firearm with an obliterated serial number,
- Possession of Schedule I Drugs
- Criminal Damage to Property
The minors will face charges in the Juvenile Courts within the next week. The ages of those involved range from 11 to 16 years of age. It is very concerning that minors of this age are involved in such serious offenses.
The Opelousas Police Department will work with the courts to see what can be done to intervene before young people find themselves facing such serious charges.
