Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WGNO) — Neighbors in a Ponchatoula subdivision rallied together to capture the suspects who allegedly burglarized their homes.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that on Jan. 27, deputies were called to the Creekside Subdivision after a homeowner captured 27-year-old Zachary Lafleur allegedly burglarizing their home.
During the incident, the homeowner called their neighbor to help with the situation, at which point a fight happened between him and Lafleur. Deputies said another neighbor, whose home had been burglarized earlier in the day, also went to help.
According to TPSO deputies, Lefleur had managed to get to his truck in an attempt to leave when a homeowner fired their gun at the vehicle, disabling it. Lafleur then ran away.
A third victim on Weighberger Road heard the alarm notifying them of Lafleur being in the area and began walking their property. Deputies said the victim found Lafleur asleep inside of their truck.
The homeowner held Lafleur at gunpoint until deputies arrived.
During an investigation, one victim told deputies that they were near a store when they saw a U-Haul pick-up truck with individuals selling items from it. It was reported that the truck was previously seen in the subdivision.
According to the TPOS, Branson Monistere, 29, allegedly ran away after deputies arrived and 37-year-old Amber Skelton was arrested.
All three suspects were charged with residential and vehicle burglary and illegal possession of stolen things. Lafleur also faces charges of attempted burglary and simple criminal damage to property.
Monistere was also charged with failure to appear.
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