According to Ville Platte  Chief Neal Lartigue an arrest was made of a juvenile just minutes after he stole a gun from a vehicle.   Shortly after 11:00 a.m. the Ville Platte Police Department received a call reporting that a black male juvenile entered a truck parked at a local business and took a hand gun from inside.  Witnesses to the incident called the police department immediately and were able to provide a detailed description of the juvenile.  Officers and Detectives responded to the area to search for the juvenile suspect and located him within minutes of the call.  Officers and detectives were involved in a short foot pursuit and nearby bystanders plus one off duty officer from another agency joined the foot pursuit to help catch the juvenile. The juvenile was captured and the hand gun was found in his back pack. 

Chief Lartigue thanks the bystanders and off duty officer that helped with this incident.  “An accurate description and immediate call helped us locate and apprehend this juvenile” Chief Lartigue stated.  “Officer and Detectives responded quickly and working with others were able to locate the juvenile and get the hand gun off the streets.” 

We have been working more cases involving weapons in the city lately and everyone needs to remember how dangerous these weapons can be.  We are continuing to ask for information on guns stolen from West Lincoln Road.  The investigation continues with some but not all of the guns recovered.  “We are working diligently to get the rest of these hand guns off the streets.” Chief Lartigue said. 

Another case involving a weapon where the investigation continues is the homicide of July 22, 2013.  The Ville Platte Police Department is actively working this case and is working with the public to gather information.  Any information you may have regarding this case is important whether it seems insignificant or not.  Detectives want to hear from you if you have any information at all.

 If you have information on any illegal activity you are asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.