Chief Martin L. McLendon
Opelousas Police Department
Office: 337-948-2513 Ext. 121
Mobile: 337-418-8086
Fax: 337-942-5346
Email: chiefmclendon@opelousaspd.com
On April 22, 2022, at approximately 1:35 AM Officers with the Opelousas Police Department were dispatched to the Evangeline’s Down Race Track casino referenced to a report of suspicious persons getting underneath a vehicle with tools and a jack. Officers quickly responded to the business. While in route supervisors requested assistance from the EVD security team to check surveillance in the area to more quickly locate the suspects. Officers were supplied details and quickly moved in on the suspects. Further investigation led officers to discover a stash of power saws and blades commonly used for catalytic converter thefts. One adult Jaquan Rosette age 23 of Opelousas and two male juveniles were arrested and charged with the following:
Jaquan Rosette, 23, 922 Sandoz Street, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Attempted theft, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile (2 counts).
Male Juvenile #1 Attempted theft, Possession of Schedule I Drugs
Male Juvenile#2 Attempted theft
A patron of the casino who was in another parked vehicle in the parking lot was the first person to alert authorities to the suspected illegal activity. This was a great example of someone “Seeing Something and Saying Something”. This is the second instance in the last two weeks where officers have arrested suspected catalytic converter thieves. On April 12, 2022, officers made a similar arrest that also involved a stolen vehicle from Rapides Parish. The officers of the Opelousas Police Department are always appreciative of the citizens that choose to help by supplying valuable information to aid them in getting the job done in keeping our community safe. #AllHandsonDeck
Opelousas Police ask anyone with any information related to any criminal activity to contact the Opelousas Police Department at 337-948-2500, crimetips@opelousaspd.com, or through Crime Stoppers (337-948-TIPS, www.stlandrycrimestoppers.com or by using the P3 mobile App.) Tipsters can remain anonymous. Tipsters can receive up to a $1000.00 cash reward.
