A Texas man was arrested in Louisiana after deputies said he burglarized a business in LaPlace and stole several items, including a firearm. Authorities later found the stolen weapon in his possession during his arrest.
Texas Man Arrested After Business Burglary
The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office said Joseph Smith, a convicted felon from San Antonio, Texas, was arrested on Monday in connection with a burglary investigation.
Authorities stated that Smith identified himself as homeless at the time of his arrest.
He was booked into the parish jail with an $85,000 bond.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Joseph Smith |
| Location | LaPlace, Louisiana |
| Arrest Date | Monday |
| Charges | Burglary, stolen firearm possession |
| Bond | $85,000 |
| Stolen Item | Firearm and other property |
Deputies Responded to Burglary Call
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded around 7:48 a.m. to a business located in the 1700 block of Chantilly Drive after receiving reports of a burglary.
While searching the building, deputies found office desk drawers opened and items scattered around, indicating the business had been rummaged through.
An employee reportedly told officers she noticed an open window when she arrived at work around 7:30 a.m.
Surveillance Footage Helped Identify Suspect
Investigators later reviewed surveillance video from the area and identified the suspect as Joseph Smith.
Authorities said the footage showed Smith near the business around the time of the burglary.
Suspect Found With Loaded Firearm
Later that evening, around 5:30 p.m., a deputy spotted a man matching Smith’s description walking near Tiffany Drive and Airline Highway in LaPlace.
Deputies detained and searched him.
During the search, officers allegedly discovered a loaded firearm and ammunition inside one of Smith’s pants pockets.
Investigators later confirmed that the gun had been stolen from the burglarized business earlier the same day.
Multiple Charges Filed
Smith now faces several charges, including:
- Two counts of simple burglary of an immovable structure
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Illegal possession of a stolen firearm
Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing and additional details may be released later.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about business burglaries and illegal firearm possession involving repeat offenders. Law enforcement officials continue reviewing evidence connected to the incident.
