DENHAM SPRINGS, LA (WAFB) -
The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office say four people have been arrested for stealing storm drain grates after a deputy noticed their low-riding minivan in Denham Springs Thursday night.
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Patrol Deputy noticed a 1995 Dodge minivan on Lockhart Road, 'low riding" in the rear, as if it were overloaded with something other than people. The deputy also noticed the only working headlight was "pointing up into the trees."
Deputies found six metal storm drain grates in the van, which weigh about 250 pounds each. The grates are valued at about $300 each. Current scrap value of the metal grates is about $28 dollars each.
The two men were found in the back of the van and police say they were covered with mud and rust stains, matching the stolen drain covers.
Christy D Morgan, 29, of Walker, was the driver of the minivan and was arrested and charged with one count of felony theft.
Kierra Jackson, 19, of Walker, John Louis Morgan III, 19, of Denham Springs, and Johnny Dale Marbury III, 19, of Denham Springs were also arrested and charged with one count of felony theft.
Deputies say the stolen grates were taken from Crystal Lakes Subdivision. This same subdivision had been hit by grate thieves in December 2010 resulting in more than $12,000 in thefts.
Deputies are attempting to determine if the two thefts are connected. Police say thefts of this type are not only expensive but also pose a significant danger to both adults and children who drive and walk on residential subdivision streets.
All four suspects are detained in the Livingston Parish Detention Center in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
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Christy D. Morgan, Kierra Jackson (Source: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office)
John Louis Morgan III, Johnny Dale Marbury III (Source: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office)
Stolen grates found in minivan (Source: LPSO)
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