Crime Blotter: Reported offenses in the Tri-parishes

Baton Rouge man arrested

after pharmacy burglary

Just hours after a Larose pharmacy was robbed, a Baton Rouge man was arrested for stealing nearly $150,000 in prescription drugs.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman deputy Brennan Matherne said that early last Sunday morning, a Larose pharmacy reported that it was burglarized.

At around 3 a.m. the same morning, Matherne said a patrol deputy in Galliano observed a vehicle parked in a parking lot off La. Highway 3162 with a male subject sitting inside with loud music playing in the background.

Matherne said the subject, Trent P. Rodrigue, 27, of 8525 Cody Drive, Baton Rouge, was sleeping inside the car, which authorities say was still running.

After making contact with Rodrigue, Matherne said authorities observed an amber-colored liquid prescription bottle in the center console of the vehicle, as well as an open duffel bag on the passenger seat, which contained a large amount of prescription medication.

At the deputy’s request, Rodrigue exited the vehicle. Matherne said he had trouble standing and speaking.

Rodrigue was taken to a nearby hospital because of the severity of his impairment.

Narcotics agents were called to the scene upon Rodrigue being taken into custody.

In total, 13,291 pills were recovered, a total that equals a value of $149,159.

Authorities say they believe Rodrigue entered the burglarized pharmacy through a broken window.

Authorities say the medicine stolen all matches what was found in the suspect’s vehicle.

Rodrigue is charged with simple burglary of a pharmacy, DWI (third offense), possession with the intent to distribute Oxycodone, possession with the intent to distribute Hydrocodone, possession with intent to distribute Tylenol with codeine and five counts of possession with intent to distribute a legend drug.

He is also booked on two active warrants for contempt of court.

He is currently held in lieu of a $217,500 bond.

Galliano man sought for

felony theft

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office announced this week that it is searching for a man who it believes has charged thousands of dollars to an unauthorized debit card.

LPSO spokesman deputy Brennan Matherne said Brian Paul Martin, 45, is wanted for felony unauthorized use of an access card as theft.

Matherne said his last address was 128 A Rosa Ville Drive, Galliano, but he is also known to frequent the Lockport and Thibodaux area.

Matherne said the charge comes after authorities learned Martin allegedly ran up “thousands of dollars” onto an unauthorized debit card.

Martin has a criminal record dating back to 1992. Matherne said the suspect has 28 prior arrests and 26 prison stays.

The charges on Martin’s sheet include theft, issuing worthless checks and illegal possession of stolen things.

Anyone with information on Martin’s whereabouts is asked to call the Bayou Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433.

Suspect arrested for DWI after theft of motorized scooter

A Houma man is accused of stealing a motorized vehicle from Walmart.

To top it off, Houma Police say the suspect got busted driving it drunk on South Van Avenue.

Last Sunday, HPD responded to the call of a male on a motorized scooter pulling a wheelchair.

When on the scene, officers found Thomas J. Phillip, 24, of 325 Merrill Drive, driving the scooter. He explained the subject in the wheelchair was a friend of his.

During the course of investigation, HPD learned that Phillip had been to Walmart on Grand Caillou Road earlier in the day.

He told officers he took the scooter because he wanted to take it “for a joy ride.”

Upon admission of the theft, authorities say they placed Phillip under arrest.

After taking the suspect into custody, Phillip was given a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test.

Authorities say Phillip blew an amount more than double the legal limit for blood alcohol content.

Phillip was transported to the Terrebonne Parish Jail on charges of theft over $500 and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

The friend on the wheelchair was not charged.

HPD makes drug arrest

The Houma Police Department announced that a suspicious vehicle marked the beginning of a drug-related last Tuesday near Tunnel Boulevard and Lafayette Street.

HPD Lt. Dana Coleman said at 1 a.m. last Tuesday, authorities responded to that area in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

Police say responding officers observed a grey 2005 Chrysler 300 with a Texas license plate parked near the intersection.

The suspect was identified as Angel Pizzaro, 30, of 239 Grand Caillou Road.

During investigation, officers located a copper mesh in the vehicle and also suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Alcohol was also allegedly spotted in the vehicle.

Upon completing its investigation, HPD determined Pizarro did not possess a valid driver’s license, nor could he provide any legal documents advising that he was legal within the United States.

He is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II drug (cocaine), possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine), open alcoholic content in vehicle and also operating a vehicle in the U.S. without lawful presence.