Summer burglary spree terrorized homeowners on West Bank
A district court judge has found probable cause to charge a Marrero man with 10 home burglaries and several counts of theft that occurred during a crime spree on the West Bank.
Christopher Watkins, 29, was arrested in June after police made a stop on a vehicle matching the description of that used in several home burglaries. Authorities say Watkins had several items that were reported stolen from homes in Luling and Ama in his car in addition to pawn receipts, empty jewelry boxes, a stolen gun and a crossbow. Deputies also say they found a syringe and spoon in the car, which is commonly used to heat and inject heroin.
The burglary spree began during the middle of the day on Friday, May 10 when two homes were broken into. One of the homes was located in the 300 block of Monsanto Drive and the second home was in the 100 block of Lakewood Drive. Both homes were entered via a rear or side door.
Items stolen included a laptop, iPad and jewelry.
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said that his office received a third report of a possible attempted break-in of a townhouse on St. Maria Drive on the same day.
On Monday, May 20, two homes in Mimosa Park were broken into between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. despite increased patrols in the area. One of the homes was in the 200 block of St. Anthony Street and the other was located in the 300 block of Wanda Street.
Three days later, four homes were broken into, three of which were located on Barton Avenue. There were also two attempted break-ins.
The last home burglary occurred in Ama.
A judge found probable cause to charge Watkins with 10 counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, three counts of illegal possession of stolen things over $500, illegal possession of stolen things over $1,500 and illegal possession of stolen firearms. A status hearing will be held in the case next month.
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