VPPD charge one in machete fight, three in burglary

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reported multiple arrests and is asking for information to assist detectives with an ongoing investigation.
Aggravated Battery
On February 6, at approximately 3:15 p.m. the Ville Platte Police Department received a report of an altercation in progress in the 1800 block of Kembo Ave., Ville Platte. Upon arrival, officers learned that an altercation had taken place between two men and one of the men received severe injuries that required medical treatment. Detective Chateuse James was assigned to the case and began her investigation.
James stated she learned one male subject repeatedly struck the other male with a machete in the area of his head, shoulders and back. Evidence and witness information led to the arrest of Anthony Marks, 50, 803 East St., Opelousas. Marks was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail without incident and charged with aggravated second-degree battery.
Marks was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Jail, where he was later released on a $25,000 bond, set by 13th Judicial District Judge Thomas Fuselier. Lartigue stated that it is possible the charges that Marks is facing could possibly be upgraded by the district attorney’s office once they review the file.
Burglary and Chase
On February 15, at approximately 2:30 p.m., three male subjects entered a residence in the 700 block of Tate Cove Road, stole several miscellaneous items and left in the homeowner’s vehicle. During a high-speed chase through the city, officers from St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police became involved in the pursuit. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it crashed on the Opelousas Road.
Detective Steven Deville was assigned to the case and arrested Christopher Washington, 20, 412 East Cotton St., Ville Platte, Shaquille Freeman, 19, 414 N.E. Railroad, Ville Platte, and Reginald Freeman, 21, 414 N.E. Railroad, Ville Platte. Each of the three suspects were charged with burglary, unauthorized use of a moveable and criminal damage to property. Bond was set at $15,000 each by 13th Judicial District Judge John Larry Vidrine. Washington and both Freemans were transferred to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail.
Shots Fired at Home
On February 19, at approximately 5:20 a.m., the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers learned that a male subject drove to a residence and fired multiple shots, damaging a home located on the 600 block of Reed Street. There were four people inside the residence at the time of the incident, but no one was injured. Detective Deville was assigned to the case and with evidence and witness statements arrested Sandress Calvin, 28, of 1214 Martin Luther King.
Calvin was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder. Calvin remains incarcerated at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail on a $500,000 bond set by Judge Vidrine.
Reports of Shots Fired
On February 21, 2014 a little after midnight the Ville Platte Police Department received multiple calls reporting shots fired in the area of East Wilson Street between Latour and Chataignier. When officers arrived the suspects had already fled the area.
Police Chief Neal Lartigue warns citizens that shooting a firearm in the city limits is not only dangerous, it is illegal.
“We intend to fully prosecute anyone caught shooting a firearm in the city limits,” Lartigue said. “People do not realize the danger of this type of behavior. When shooting a gun in the air, the bullets have to land somewhere.” Lartigue also asks residents to call and report anyone they know, see or have heard was shooting a firearm. Reporting this type of crime could help the officers make an arrest and could possibly save a life. Call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.
Lartigue is also asking residents to be on the lookout for people in the area who have been stealing air conditioners from businesses and homes. If you notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood or know of someone who may be involved with the thefts to please contact the department. Report any information anonymously by calling the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313