Jamal R. Edwards

Jamal R. Edwards, 21, of LaPlace was arrested November 28, 2016 in connection with a burglary of a business. Great police work by patrol resulted in the recovery of most of the money stolen during the burglary and the arrest of Edwards, Sheriff Mike Tregre said. On November 12, 2016, at about 2:30 a.m. deputies observed two males walking east on Woodland Drive in LaPlace where burglaries have occurred recently. Upon arriving in the area of Woodland Drive and U.S. 51, deputies observed both male subjects then walking west on Woodland Drive and attempted to make contact with the subjects, at which time one of the subjects fled west on Woodland Drive. Deputies were unable to apprehend the first subject later identified as Zechariah David Collins. Deputies detained the second subject identified as Jamal R. Edwards then later released him. About 4:15 a.m. deputies located in the area of 200 Woodland Drive where the first suspect, Zechariah David Collins, ran, a latex glove and a bag of cash and coins. At about 5 a.m. deputies then responded to a complaint in the 4000 block of U.S. 51 in LaPlace in reference to the burglary of McDonald’s. During the investigation, officers learned cash and coins were missing from the safe inside the business. After reviewing recorded video surveillance from the business, officers identified Zechariah David Collins, a former McDonald’s employee, entering the building with no forced entry and using a security code to get into the safe and take the cash and coins then leaving the building. Collins is wanted in connection with this incident. After further investigation, Jamal R. Edwards was arrested November 28, 2016 and booked with principal to simple burglary. He was released from custody November 29, 2016 on a $15,000 bond. Some recovered money will be released to the business.