CRIMES

Detectives investigating property damage at parish boat launch

Deputies with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating reckless driving that ended up leading to damage at a parish boat launch.

Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre said that over the past month, detectives have investigated numerous instances of reckless driving at the Sanchez Boat Launch, which is a public launch located at 829 Sanchez Road in Thibodaux. The poor driving has resulted in damage to property at the facility, according to LPSO.

Surveillance photos have captured three pickup trucks that are believed to have caused the damage.

Anyone with information about the alleged crimes is asked to call LPSO at 985-532-4326.

“These irresponsible criminals are causing the parish to spend more and more tax dollars on repairs after each occurrence,” Webre said. “We want these suspects and anyone even thinking of exhibiting this type of behavior in the future to know we are watching and will vigorously pursue all violations to ensure they are held liable for the damages.”

Detectives looking into theft at Bollinger Shipyards

A reward is being offered to anyone in the public who may have information regarding equipment that was recently stolen from Bollinger Shipyards.

Last month, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the Lockport-based shipyard in response to a call about stolen equipment.

After investigating, detectives discovered that a utility trailer and a custom drill press were taken from the business sometime toward the end of February. The equipment costs an estimated $3,000.

LPSO is asking for public help in the case. Anyone with information that leads to an arrest could receive a reward if they call the Bayou Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Man charged with extortion

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies started an investigation of alleged extortion after learning David Bland, 44, of Raceland, had allegedly made contact with an elderly woman on March 14.

Authorities said Bland told the women he was there to collect a debt owed to a family member, and that he threatened bodily harm to the victim if the debt was not paid.

Deputies said the woman provided cash to Bland, who then returned on multiple occasions and asked for more money.

Bland was taken to the Lafourche Parish Jail March 25 and booked on charges of extortion.

LPSO said Bland has an extensive criminal history dating back to the early 1990s.

Lafourche authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying these three trucks in connection with damage at a parish boat launch.

COURTESY | LPSO

Bland