Crime blotter: Reported offenses in the Tri-parishes

Purse snatching suspect sought

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois announced Monday that his office is looking for a man responsible for snatching purses near the 3600 block of Fallon Drive in Houma.

TPSO spokesman Maj. Malcolm Wolfe said deputies responded to that location early Sunday at 12:30 a.m. in reference to a robbery.

When on the scene, Wolfe said deputies made contact with a victim who had just returned home from prom. While walking on Fallon Drive, authorities say the victim was attacked by what is being described as a “tall and slender black male,” who snatched her purse and ran toward Vikki Drive.

Wolfe said the victim was knocked down in the melee for the purse and received minor injuries in the incident.

A press release issued by the TPSO says the suspect was also wearing a white shirt and dark-colored pants. His hair style was described as having “small twists.”

Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500.

Two juveniles nabbed for vehicle burglaries

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that two 16-year-old males are in custody for their alleged roles in a string of vehicle burglaries.

TPSO spokesman Maj. Malcolm Wolfe said several vehicles were burglarized near Monarch Drive between Thursday night and Friday morning. All of the vehicles reported burglarized were unlocked.

Among the items stolen in the rash of burglaries were CDs, money and phone chargers.

After receiving information in the case, authorities arrested a pair of juveniles in connection with the case.

Authorities say the boys live in the area where the burglaries took place. They were each booked into the Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Justice Complex.

Student arrested for drug possession

A South Terrebonne High School student was arrested last week after he allegedly took drugs to school.

On April 20, authorities say a deputy arrested Stephen Michael Skoglund, 17, of 103 Coyell Drive, Houma, for being in possession of a legend drug without a prescription, possession of a controlled dangerous substance schedule IV, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance schedule IV and violation of a drug free zone.

The cause for the charge came after Skoglund was observed to be under the influence of some type of medication. After further investigation, authorities learned that the student had taken a valium and was still in the possession of two and a half pills.

Authorities say they believe Skoglund possibly also sold a valium to another student while at school.

Skoglund was held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. He was released after posting bond.

Pedestrian killed on La. Highway 315

A 39-year-old Terrebonne Parish pedestrian was killed this week in a Thursday afternoon crash on La. Highway 315.

According to Louisiana State Police Troop C spokesman Trooper Evan Harrell, a 2003 Ford F-150 driven by Brian Daigle, 45, of Houma, was traveling north on La. Highway 315 just north of Commercial Drive.

Authorities say while driving Daigle reached down to grab his phone, during which the F-150 traveled onto the northbound shoulder and struck a pedestrian, Polly Manor, 39, of Houma.

The victim was walking on the shoulder of the road during the crash.

Authorities say Manor was pronounced dead on the scene by the Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office.

Daigle, who was wearing his seat belt, was not injured in the crash.

Investigating troopers have ruled out alcohol impairment for Daigle, and authorities say the crash remains under investigation.

Public’s help sought to end rash of daytime burglaries

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced this week that detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in apprehending the person(s) responsible for a rash of daytime burglaries throughout the parish.

LPSO spokesman Brennan Matherne said over the past several months, detectives have been investigating a number of burglaries and believes anywhere from 10-20 of them could be linked, as they show similar characteristics.

“We are asking every citizen of Lafourche to become mindful of their surroundings and look after their fellow neighbors,” Webre said. “Because the actions of the burglars are usually nor visible from the street, it can be difficult for a patrolling deputy to spot one in progress. We are approaching this problem from every possible angle, and utilizing the public’s ability to spot suspicious activity is one of the more effective tactics we can employ.”

Detectives say the burglaries have been occurring during daytime business hours and typically occur at a residence within a subdivision, or along a street, which has more than one avenue of approach.

Matherne added that forced entry in the burglaries is typically made through a door or window located out of sight from the street such as a rear entrance.