Citizen’s tip leads to arrests

Three men were arrested Wednesday after deputies, acting on a citizen’s tip, responded to a “burglary in progress” call in the 4300 block of White Oak Highway near Branch.

Sheriff Wayne Melancon said deputies immediately responded to the area and were able to arrest two of the suspects near the intersection of La. Highway 365 and La. Highway 367.

 A third suspect fled into a nearby field and was apprehended several hours later.

Arrested were:

Brandon C. Guillory, 20, of Ann Drive, Rayne.

Cody J. Woodruff, 17, of Allison Loup, Eunice.

Nicklous R. Thomas, 27, of Ann Street, Eunice.

Each was charged with aggravated burglary. No bond had been set as of press time Thursday.

Deputies were able to recover over a dozen weapons reportedly taken from the residence.

Melancon commended the caller for getting involved and reporting the suspicious activity that led to the arrests. 

Once again the rural community, which included farmers, assisted law enforcement in locating and apprehending the third suspect, the sheriff said.

Melancon said he wanted to thank the farming community for pulling together and assisting law enforcement, which included the Eunice Police Department, Louisiana State Police and deputies with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office.