 Lance Joseph |
Lance Joseph, 17, of LaPlace, and four male juveniles, age 14, 15 and 16, all of LaPlace, were arrested in connection with a residential burglary. On January 16, 2018 about 9:45 a.m., deputies responded to the 500 block of Welham Loop in LaPlace in reference to a burglary of a residence. Upon arrival, officers learned the victim returned home to discover an open kitchen window that was unsecured and several designer accessories and electronics valued at nearly $2,000 missing. During the investigation, officers obtained video surveillance and descriptions of the subjects that entered the residence.
About 1 p.m., officers observed five male subjects, matching the descriptions obtained, in the area of Madewood Drive near Melrose Street. Upon contact, officers observed one subject, later identified as the 16-year-old suspect, toss a handgun onto the ground. All subjects were detained. Officers also discovered a handgun in one subject’s, later identified as Joseph, front pants waistband. Upon further investigation, officers recovered some of the reported stolen items on the person of the four juveniles.
One 15-year-old juvenile was charged with simple burglary – immovable structure. One 15-year-old juvenile was booked with simple burglary – immovable structure and illegal possession of stolen things (misd). The 14-year-old juvenile was booked with simple burglary – immovable structure. The 16-year-old juvenile was booked with illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile (misd) and simple burglary – immovable structure.
The 14-year-old and the two 15-year-old juveniles were released January 16 to the custody of their parents. The 16-year-old was transferred January 16 to the Terrebonne Juvenile Detention Center.
Joseph was charged with simple burglary – immovable structure and illegal carrying of weapons (felony). He is being held in custody in lieu of a $35,000 bond.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Citizens with information about this incident that call Crimestoppers do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward. Citizens can also submit tips on the Sheriff’s Office website at https://stjohnsheriff.org/crime-arrests/crime-tips/“>https://stjohnsheriff.org/crime-arrests/crime-tips/.