RPD solves thefts, recovers stolen car

A Ruston man has been arrested for stealing a car in Rayville.

Rayville Chief of Police Willie L. Robinson Sr., advised that on Feb. 15, the Rayville Police Department received a call from an employee of Jim Taylor Chevrolet who advised that someone had stolen one of their vehicles.  The suspect had taken the vehicle for a test drive and didn’t return it.

Investigator Amanda Wilhite was assigned to the case. She gathered information about the vehicle and the suspect, then quickly entered the stolen vehicle into the NCIC database and began investigating the crime.  The vehicle was stopped later that evening in the vicinity of Louisiana Tech and the suspect was taken into custody.

Jaquez Phillips, 22, of 9020 Sybil Drive, Ruston, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

Chief Robinson would like to commend Investigator Wilhite for her speedy resolution of this case.  

“Due to Investigator Wilhite’s quick and decisive actions, the vehicle was reported stolen in the NCIC database which led to the apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of the vehicle when it was pulled over by Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office,” the chief said.

Robinson added his investigators have also solved  a string of large thefts that took place at Wal-Mart.

During the months of December 2015 and January, Wal-Mart Super Center experienced several large thefts.  The case was turned over to Investigator Jerry Davis in February. The Rayville Police Department received video surveillance footage on each of these thefts whereby Investigator Davis was able to identify one of the suspects involved in this crime.  

In cooperation with surrounding law enforcement agencies, Investigator Davis was also able to determine other locations where these two suspects had committed similar crimes.  Arrest warrants were issued and one of the suspects was taken into custody.  The other suspect is still at large at this time.

Kary Davis, 30, of 603 South 16th St., Monroe, was charged with four counts of felony theft.

Chief Robinson would like to commend Investigator Davis for his diligence in solving this crime.  

“Through patience and perseverance, Investigator Davis was able to resolve not just one, but four felony cases,” the chief said.

Chief Robinson advised that criminals in the Rayville area should take note that, due to the efforts of his investigators and officers, they will be caught and prosecuted.