A stolen vehicle investigation in Ashland has led to the recovery and arrests of a man and woman in connection with the theft off two vehicles in Natchitoches and Rapides Parishes according to Natchitoches Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On Wednesday July 6, 2022 at approximately 6:27pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a stolen vehicle in the 2400 block of La. Hwy 153 in Ashland, La.
Deputies say upon their arrival, they spoke with the owner of the vehicle.
Deputies say while speaking with the complainant, they learned that his silver 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck had been stolen from his yard on Wednesday morning between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00am.
Other items reported stolen in the vehicle were: fishing poles, a yeti cooler, tools, freon gauge, a jump box and Hi-Point .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Deputies gathered information for an offense report, issued a BOLO message and entered the vehicle into the National Crime Information Center as being stolen.
The National Crime Information Center assists law enforcement in capturing wanted persons, finding missing persons, and recovery of stolen property.
The case was turned over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division for investigative purposes.
Later Wednesday evening at approximately 9:18pm, Ashland Marshal Fred Holland and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an area near the 2900 block of La. Hwy 153 in Ashland.
The owner of the vehicle contacted the NPSO reporting that while riding around the area on his UTV he discovered an abandoned vehicle in the woods off of a high line clear cut.
The complainant provided Marshal Holland a ride on his UTV to the scene of the abandoned vehicle, a red 1991 Nissan pickup truck.
While examining the vehicle and looking for other possible evidence, Marshal Holland had the license plate run through the National Crime Information Center.
The vehicle was reported stolen to Rapides Sheriff’s Office on July 2, 2022 from the Poland community.
NPSO Deputies arrived on scene to assist.
Deputies also learned the red Nissan pickup was reportedly involved in a gas drive-off theft from Sullivan’s Grocery the night before in Bienville Parish.
The store owner reportedly followed the truck to the Ashland area and lost sight of it.
Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing their investigation into the gas theft.
The owner of the truck was notified. A local towing service was contacted to store the vehicle for processing and the owner could make arrangements to pick it up.
This morning, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives were contacted by Conroe Police Department, Texas reporting they recovered the 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck and made two arrests.
Arrested were:
- Bobby Martin, 27, of Monroe, La.
- Sarah Read, 28, of Leesville, La.
Both are being held in a Conroe jail on Texas charges and will be extradited to Natchitoches on a later date on Natchitoches Parish charges.
The investigation which involves the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.
We would also like commend and thank the owner of the Chevrolet pickup truck for his cooperation and assistance during this investigation.
NPSO Detectives say they believe that both suspects are connected to both vehicle thefts.
If you have any information contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 357-7830.
Case Agent: Detective Lt. Glen Sers
NPSO Criminal Investigations
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