Two arrested in Church Point bank robbery

Two were arrested early Thursday morning and two remain at large in connection with the armed robbery of Church Point bank on Wednesday.

According to a joint statement by Church Point Police Chief Albert Venable and Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon, three black males entered Church Point Bank & Trust shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday and demanded money.

Witnesses said two of the suspects were armed with handguns during the robbery.

The trio fled the bank on foot with an unknown amount of cash.

During the investigation, law enforcement received information that the subjects were possibly hiding in a residence in the 100 block of South Vista Street in Church Point. The Louisiana State Police SWAT Team was called in and upon entering the residence the suspects were not located.

At about 3 a.m. Thursday, authorities arrested 17-year-old Javonta J. Lazaro and 19-year-old Alinkay Carletta Wiley, both of Church Point, and charged them with armed robbery of a financial institution.

Bond was set on each at $250,000 by District Judge Kristian Earles.

As of late Thursday afternoon, authorities were working to identify two additional suspects that are believed to be involved.

Agencies taking part in the investigation include the Church Point Police Department, Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police SWAT, 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Church Point Fire Department, FBI (Lafayette & Baton Rouge), Acadian Ambulance Service and the U.S. Marshal’s Office.