Arrest
Deputies recover stolen trailers and equipment at a Tickfaw residence.
TICKFAW, LA - June 3, 2019 - Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports the arrest of two Ponchatoula residents after leading deputies to mound of stolen property.
On May 10, 2019, Ponchatoula residents 38 year-old Clifton Chad Hill and 40 year-old Elvis Smith, were booked into the parish jail on multiple charges including felony theft.
The case originated when deputies were alerted of a trailer that was reported stolen in late 2018, was seen being pulled behind a silver Chevrolet Silverado Pickup bearing a Washington State license, on Pumpkin Center Road on May 9, 2019. It was additionally reported that the pick-up truck eventually pulled into and parked in a driveway on Durbin Rd. in Tickfaw. When deputies arrived to investigate, 38-year-old Chad Hill abruptly exited the Chevy pick-up truck and attempted to flee on foot while his passenger, 40 – year-old Elvis Smith remained inside of the vehicle. At this time, both subjects were detained pending investigation.
While deputies were approaching the pick-up truck to make contact with the passenger, they observed in plain view two firearms laying on the front seat, syringes, and a plastic bag containing suspected narcotics. The initial investigation also revealed that the trailer attached to Hill’s pick-up truck was stolen property.
Armed with the above related facts, TPSO’s Narcotics agents were contacted and search warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and the Durbin Rd. property were obtained and executed.
A search of the vehicle revealed that one of the two weapons was reported stolen along with the above mentioned trailer. In addition, multiple pieces of construction equipment and materials from a subdivision on Highway 445 located and recovered. In a post Miranda interview with Hill, he confessed that he and Smith stole the property from the Ponchatoula subdivision just the night before. He also confirmed that he and Smith fenced stolen property at the Durbin Road location which is occupied by an alleged unidentified black male who buys the stolen metal scrap (cable lock construction equipment) and wooden material with the knowledge that the items are stolen. Two other trailers were also located on the property – one which was also reported as stolen.
Deputies also recovered a large amount of building materials stolen from the Cypress Reserve Subdivision on Highway 22 East and a Dewalt generator that was reported stolen several weeks ago.
As a result, both subjects were booked on felony charges. The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the suspects and activities related to this case and feel additional charges and arrests will be forthcoming.
