By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Investigative Division has solved the burglary of a local firearms store.

Sheriff Jason Parker said there were three arrests – two juveniles and one 18-year-old – were made after discovery was made of the break-in at the U.S. Hwy. 80 east location.

“All three of those are from Bienville Parish,” Parker said. “They broke in and stole 12 handguns – the store owner discovered it June 13.”

Parker said video surveillance footage aided in the arrests.

“We worked in conjunction with Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and were able to make a positive ID,” said the sheriff.  “One is 14, one is 15 and the 18-year-old is identified as James Havard.”

The two younger boys were arrested in Webster Parish June 24 and released to their parents. They face juvenile court proceedings in Webster Parish.

Havard was arrested on a traffic stop in Bienville Parish June 18, and 2 of the stolen handguns were discovered in his vehicle. The guns have been confirmed as stolen from the Hwy. 80 firearms store.

“Havard was arrested in Bienville Parish,” he added. “He is being held there until he can be arrested on our charges, which are criminal damage to property, simple burglary and theft of firearms.”

Parker said his department is still investigating the location of the other 10 handguns. All 3 subjects have reportedly confessed to the theft.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

---