Caller thwarts car burglary

A shocked West Houma man called Houma Police last Sunday evening to report an unknown man sitting inside his vehicle, a department spokesman said. The 2004 Chevrolet Canyon was parked under the caller’s carport.

When police arrived at the home, located in the 800 block of Wright Avenue, the man had fled the area, said Lt. Todd Duplantis. Based on the caller’s description – a black male with very long braids, wearing a New Orleans Saints cap with a tag hanging from it – officers patrolling the area found the suspect, he said.

Officers stopped Jordon Smith, 19, of 629 Wilson Ave., walking near his home.

During questioning, officers noticed Smith would not remove his hands from his pockets, Duplantis said. When police asked why, Smith said, “I got weed,” the spokesman reported. Officers removed a clear plastic bag from Smith’s front right pant pocket that contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, Duplantis said.

Smith was arrested for possession of marijuana and simple burglary.

Police also confiscated a power inverter and binoculars from Smith, which he had when officers stopped him, the spokesman explained. The caller said the items were not taken from his vehicle; however, officers did place them into evidence, Duplantis said. Although no other vehicle burglaries had been reported, he said police believe there may have been more victims.