Tips Lead to the Arrest of Suspect in Stolen Bulldozer Case

The St. Landry Sheriff’s Office working on tips received through Crime Stoppers, and with the assistance of the Lafayette City Marshal's Office, arrested an Abbeville man for the theft of a bulldozer worth over $150,000.

The arrest stems from a complaint earlier this month from a contractor working on Union Pacific Railroad property. The victim states that his 2000 Komastu bulldozer was stolen from a work location.  Employees of the company, detectives with the St. Landry Sheriff’s Office, and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office located the bulldozer in Evangeline Parish.

The investigation led to a warrant being issued for Rickie John Richard.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s Office reached out to Crime Stoppers to help locate Richard.  Crime Stoppers alerted the media and aired the crime on their Facebook page asking for help.  Tips were received informing law enforcement of the whereabouts of Richard which led them to Lafayette.  The Lafayette City Marshals Office working on tips received was able to arrest Richard at the location provided by the tipster.