Sheriff: Smash and grab bandits captured

Three people are charged in connection with two smash-and-grab burglaries in Evangeline Parish that happened Sunday, according to a news release from Sheriff Eddie Soileau.
The burglaries occurred at B&S Neighborhood Market in the 1000 Block of Chicot Park Road and Blue Junction Convenience Store in the 3300 block of Chataignier Road.
Detective Tyla Godeaux was assigned the cases and received assistance from Maj. Jeremy Mitchell and Capt. Dwayne Ledoux.
During Godeaux’s initial investigation 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 arrests.
Jeffrey Thibodeaux, 34 of the 1500 block of St Julien Road, Eunice, was arrested and charged with simple burglary and criminal damage to property. Bond set at $50,000.00 by 13th Judicial Judge Gary Ortego.
Steven Larue, 33 of 1000 block of Dewey Loop, Basile, was arrested and charged with simple burglary and criminal damage to property. Bond was set at $40,000.00 by 13th Judicial Judge Gary Ortego.
Heather Manuel, 33 of 1500 block of St Julien Road, Eunice, was arrested and charged with principle to simple burglary. Bond was set at $35,000.00 by 13th Judicial Judge Gary Ortego.
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, the news release stated.