Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports arrests for narcotics, burglary and reminds citizens that scams are still being conducted within the city.

On May 15, 2013 a traffic stop led to the arrest of Justin O’Neal Poullard, 24 of 1327 Martin Luther King Drive.  Poullard was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and charged with no seat belt, possession of schedule II with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Poullard remain incarcerated on a $20,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Chief Lartigue would like to thank the Opelousas Police Department and their K-9 unit for their assistance with this traffic stop.  “Working with other agencies benefits everyone” Chief Lartigue said, “We appreciate the Opelousas Police Department’s K-9 unit for making themselves available when we called and helping with this incident.”

On May 13, 2013, the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress on West Main Street.  Detective Patrick Hall was assigned to the case and upon completion of his investigation, arrested John Henry Jones, 62 of 124 East Wilson Street, Ville Platte.  Mr. Jones was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and charged with simple burglary and criminal damage to property.  Mr. Jones was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $25,000.00 bond set by Judge Thomas Fuselier.

Chief Lartigue would like to warn citizens that there are still scams being conducted on businesses and people in the community.  A local business discovered that someone paid for their products with a counterfeit ten dollar bill recently and in another incident a man approached local businesses and people and asked for money for his sick kids.   “If someone approaches you with a sad story and it seems like they are trying to get you to give them money, call the police department and tell the dispatcher” Chief Lartigue said, “An officer can check on the situation and identify this person.”  Calling after the person has left or a day later will make it more difficult to locate this person and stop scam artists. 

To report a possible scam, illegal narcotic activity or any other criminal activity, call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.