NPD The criminal always returns to the scene of the crime….. On May 1 at 7:30 a.m. NPD officers responded to the 100 block of East 5th Street about a stolen automobile. The owner of the car confirmed that his 1966 Chevrolet Corvette had been taken without his permission from his shop behind his business. All area officers were advised to begin looking for the missing sports car
The next morning, the owner of the missing corvette was astonished to find that his corvette had been returned, but parked inside the owner’s camper trailer. His relief was short-lived, however, when he realized his 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, which was also parked behind his shop was now missing. NPD was quickly contacted about this strange turn of events and the missing suburban was then sought after. Later that same night, an investigator with NPD happened upon the missing vehicle as it drove passed him around 11 p.m.
He alerted additional officers and then made contact with the driver. Moments later, the vehicle was confirmed to be the Suburban reported stolen and the driver was identified as Richard Watkins Jr. It was later discovered that during the time Watkins had possession of the corvette, he made entry into a barn located on Highway 478 without permission. While on the property he allegedly fed and watered horses kept on the property. He left the water running which led to the damage of four stalls.
None of the animals were injured.
Watkins, 48, was subsequently charged with two counts theft of a motor vehicle, three counts simple burglary, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a moveable and simple criminal damage to property. He was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. His bond is set at $21,500.
