A joint investigation between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents, U.S. Forest Service enforcement officers and Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office (GPSO) deputies led to the arrest of a Pineville man for alleged vandalism on Oct. 30 in Grant Parish.
GPSO deputies arrested Charles A. Melancon, 21, for unauthorized entry and simple criminal damage to property and booked him into the Grant Parish Jail.
Around 10:30 p.m. LDWF agents followed a vehicle to the end of Clear Creek Church Road. The agents then heard a loud noise near the church and moments later saw the vehicle approach their location.
Agents stopped the vehicle and identified Melancon as the operator. Agents asked Melancon about the loud noise and he said he heard gunshots coming from the woods.
After letting Melancon go and investigating the church grounds, agents found the door to the community center next to the church forced open and the door jamb broke.
Agents notified U.S. Forest Service officers who were able to stop Melancon on Hwy. 3130. During the stop Melancon admitted to breaking into the community center by kicking in the door. GPSO deputies arrived and arrested Melancon.
Unauthorized entry and simple criminal damage to property each brings up to a $1,000 fine and six years in jail for each offense.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.