Chief says teen admits scouting his police vehicle

By the end of the week, Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot thinks an 18-year-old suspect will be facing a slew of charges in connection of rash of crimes involving vehicles and thievery.
On Tuesday, Fontenot said the crime wave broke with the arrest of Seth Fuselier, 18, of the 1400 block of West Dudley, Eunice, on a single count of unauthorized use of a movable.
Fontenot said as Fuselier talked with police about the crime spree that began about two weeks ago, the suspect revealed he had even tested whether the police chief’s police car, personal car and camper were locked or not.
“But everything was locked,” Fontenot said.
Others have not been so lucky or vigilant.
Fontenot said Fuselier may be facing additional charges involving unauthorized use of a movable, theft of a vehicle and simple burglary.
A 16-year-old juvenile also is being charged in connection with the incidents, he said.
Fuselier was caught as police followed a trail of evidence, he said.
“He was getting caught. It was eventually going to happen,” Fontenot said. “He took a gas can from a residence. The owner spotted the gas can and called police and was able to positively identify the gas can because of a spout on it.”
From the recovered gas can, police found a stolen vehicle at the old Dresser plant.
Detective Robert Brickley said the two teens were walking through neighborhoods pulling on doors and when they found an unlocked door they would steal something. If the keys were in a vehicle they would take it for a joyride, he said.
In one incident, police investigated a theft at a residence, but discovered that a truck had been stolen. The truck was taken, but returned before the owner noticed it was gone, Fontenot said. But the owner did notice the truck was parked differently than how he recalled parking it.
The crime spree began about two weeks ago when a stolen vehicle was recovered on Rena Road off La. 757, Fontenot said. The truck was not damaged, but it was stuck.
A second stolen truck was found at Dresser on Monday and the third was located off of Clifford Avenue on Tuesday.
The truck found at Dresser looked like it was wrecked, he said.
The vehicles were used for joyriding, he said. “No telling how many vehicles they have done that with.”
Items that police know were stolen include a cell phone, rifle, generator, gas can, speaker box and radio.
As of Wednesday morning, Fontenot said the crime spree was limited to residences from about Ida Street to Glendale Avenue.
“Lock everything,” Fontenot said after talking about how the teen would test doors to see if there were open. If unlocked, the take items, he said. If the keys were left in a vehicle, they would take it for a joyride, he said.
“If it is open, it is a crime of opportunity for them. That’s what they are looking for,” he said
Fuselier was released from the St. Landry Parish jail on a burglary charge on Nov. 14, Fontenot said.