Suspected thief claims he was protecting animals

[Skunk]

This crime took place in Livingston Parish, LA. Why did I post it here? Because we don't have a Louisiana forum, and Livingston Parish, LA. is about half-way between Texas and Alabama. So, I flipped a coin and Alabama won. Just look at that thief. Caught red-handed. Score one for the good guys.

Suspected thief claims he was protecting animals

By WAFB TV9, Louisiana's News Channel

Dec 18, 2009




Dustin Archibald (Source: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office)

DENHAM SPRINGS, LA (WAFB) - A land owner used a decoy camera to help catch a man suspected of stealing other digital game surveillance cameras from his property in Livingston Parish. After his arrest, the man reportedly told detectives he took it to stop the owner from hunting in the area.

Dustin Archibald, 21, of Denham Springs surrendered to Livingston Parish sheriff's deputies on Thursday. According to investigators, he was photographed around noon the previous day "taking the bait."

When presented with the photograph, which deputies said clearly shows him with the camera in his hand, Archibald allegedly told them he was not stealing the camera but taking it so the property owner would not hunt the deer in the area. Detectives added the incriminating photo also shows Archibald's dog and a "No Trespassing" sign in the background.

Deputies said the problem began in November when four cameras were stolen from the victim's property near Denham Springs. He decided to set up a decoy and place another surveillance camera in position to snap pictures of any potential thieves. The land owner called the sheriff's office and showed them the photograph of the suspect.

Archibald was identified as the culprit and turned himself in to authorities. He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on one count of criminal trespassing and one count of theft. His bond was set at $10,500.

http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11661499

[Almtnman]

I wonder if the tree stand on his back was also stolen?

[Oldshooter]

Ironic that he was pictured stealing a game camera by a game camera! 

[RB1235]

That's a shame. Not to many years ago you could stop by any hunting shack and warm up around here. Didn't matter if there were folks there or not. If you used their wood it was to be replaced. There were always things laying in the open, bullets, lanterns, knives and such. It wasn't yours so it didn't matter. Others property was respected. Those days are gone now though.