Sunset Man Arrested For Theft Of Construction Equipment

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's authorities have arrested a Sunset man for the theft of several pieces of heavy construction and lawn equipment.

St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers spokesman Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux  reported 41-year-old Christopher Sanchez was arrested on multiple counts of illegal possession of stolen things following a multi-parish investigation.

Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for Sanchez's residence and recovered one John Deere Zero-turn lawn mower stolen from St. Landry Parish, two Case backhoes stolen from Evangeline Parish, and one 2016 Top Hat tandem axle utility trailer stolen from Jeff Davis Parish. 

The loot that included backhoes, trailers and other lawn equipment totaled almost $100,000, Thibodeaux reported.

“Thanks to the tipsters and the great detective work between the two departments, the stolen property was recovered and returned to the owner," Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said. "The fact that the owners had serial numbers on all of the stolen property made it easy to identify.  Everyone is urged to record all serial numbers and take photographs of their property to better assist law enforcement in the recovery of their stolen property.”