Two men were arrested while in the process of committing burglaries, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
The first arrest occurred on Nov. 20 after deputies were dispatched to the 2500 block of Landry Street in Opelousas to a business burglary.
Guidroz stated, “The victim was inside of the business sitting at her desk when the power shut off. She then saw the suspect walk past the window and proceed to the tool shed behind the business. While the victim was on the phone with the 911 operator, she observed the suspect attempting to break into the tool shed.
“When deputies arrived at the business, the victim observed the suspect leaving the area. The deputies searched the area and noted that the door to the shed was pulled off at the hinge, as well as all circuit breakers to the business had been pushed in the off position.
“Deputies were able to locate the suspect in the vehicle parked in the carport at the business. He was attempting to elude the deputies by hiding on the passenger floorboard inside of the unlocked vehicle. When deputies searched the suspect for possible concealed weapons, two different types of controlled dangerous substances were located in his possession.”
Guidroz stated Joseph Chachere, 43, of the 2400 block of Powers Street, Opelousas was arrested for simple burglary and two counts of possession of Schedule II drugs. His bail was set at $15,500.
The second burglary occurred in the morning hours of Nov. 22 in the La. 13 area, Guidroz stated.
An off-duty police officer returned to his residence to find the glass in a sliding door in the rear of the home was shattered and a male subject was inside, Guidroz stated.
The officer apprehended the suspect, searched for other suspects and called the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
The officer noted a television was in the process of being removed from his home.
Guidroz stated Paul Marshall Fontenot, 47, of the 1200 block of Highway 13, Eunice, was arrested for simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and criminal damage to property. Bail was set at $10,000.