Drug bust, store break-in keep police busy

A smoking burglar is behind bars following some quick detective work by Minden officials.

Randall E. Hill, 18, of the 1700 block of Dorcheat Road, was arrested Thursday and charged with simple burglary and felony criminal damage to property.

Hill’s arrest followed an investigation into the break-in and burglary of The Tobacco Outlet store, located in the 800 block of Homer Road.

“Between 5 and 5:30 a.m. Thursday, a person, later identified as Hill, threw a brick through one of the windows at the tobacco store,” said Minden Police Chief T.C. Bloxom. “The burglar then took numerous cartons and single packs of cigarettes before fleeing the scene.”

Later that day, Minden Det. Lt. Dan Weaver conducted a traffic stop on Main Street. Visible inside the vehicle were numerous packages of cigarettes. During questioning, Weaver learned information that directed him toward Hill.

“We issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) for Hill’s vehicle and he was later spotted on Victory Drive by Officer Ben Allen,” said Bloxom. “Backup officers arrived at the scene and Hill was taken into custody without incident.”

During subsequent questioning by Minden detectives Weaver, Chris Cheatham and Heath Balkom, Hill admitted to breaking into the tobacco store and stealing the cigarettes. He also admitted to pawning various stolen items including a lawnmower, weed eater and grinder at a Minden pawnshop.

“Hill said he stole the items from various residents in Benton,” Weaver said Thursday afternoon. “At this time, neither Benton or Bossier Parish have received any stolen item reports. We expect people will arrive home from work today to discover they have items missing. Therefore, charges in Benton are pending.”

Hill was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center (BDCC).

In an unrelated case, a Minden man was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding warrant issued for distribution of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana).

Anthony L. McClendon, 43, of the 900 block of Homer Road, was arrested following a controlled drug buy by undercover agents.

“Lt. Weaver and Officer Danny “Bo” Turner came in contact with McClendon at the trailer park on Homer Road where he resides and placed him under arrest on the outstanding warrant,” said Bloxom.

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