Lake Charles, LA –
On March 23 at approximately 9:30 p.m. CPSO VCIU detectives were dispatched to a bingo hall on Highway 109 in Vinton in reference to 36 vehicle burglaries where the suspects broke the windows to gain access into the vehicles; stealing items such as guns, wallets, purses, jewelry, and backpacks. When detectives arrived they reviewed security camera footage from the business, as well as, businesses located nearby and observed a white Nissan Rogue enter the parking lot where the burglaries occurred. Detectives then observed a man exit the vehicle and use a tool to break the windows of the vehicles. Detectives were able to obtain a license plate number on the car and learned it headed into Texas a short time after the vehicle burglaries occurred.
Several days later CPSO VCIU detectives were contacted by Rayne Police Department advising they were working two vehicle burglary cases involving the same Nissan Rogue. On March 27 VCIU detectives received a call from Crowley Police Department, who are also working possible related vehicle burglaries, advising detectives they had been in contact with Houston Police Department and the Nissan was involved in a traffic stop. Authorities in Houston identified the driver as Daniel White, 22, Houston, Texas; who they arrested for unrelated charges. CPSO VCIU detectives traveled to Houston and spoke with White, who stated he was in Louisiana in the Nissan Rouge on the day of the burglaries, but did not want to answer any other questions without consulting an attorney. The following day White was transported to Rayne Police Department and booked into the Acadia jail where he was charged with 2 vehicle burglaries.
After further investigation on March 29 VCIU detectives issued a warrant for White’s arrest signed by Judge Sharon Wilson. He is charged with 36 counts of simple burglary; 36 counts of simple criminal damage to property; 13 counts of theft under $1,000; 2 counts of theft of a firearm; and theft from $1,000 to $5,000. His bond is set at $430,500. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has placed a detainer on White for the vehicle burglaries he committed in Vinton.
After further investigation VCIU detectives were able to identify another suspect, Bryan A. Serrano, 20, Houston, TX; who was also responsible for the burglary and thefts. After further investigation on April 16 Judge Michael Canaday signed a warrant in the amount of $725,000 for Serrano’s arrest. He is charged with 36 counts of simple burglary; 36 counts of simple criminal damage to property; 13 counts of theft under $1,000; 2 counts of theft of a firearm; and theft from $1,000 to $5,000. Serrano was arrested by Houston Police Department yesterday. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will place a detainer on him for the vehicle burglaries he committed in Vinton.
CPSO VCIU Detectives Hollan Dyer is the lead investigator on this case.
Along with Rayne and Crowley Police Departments, the Louisiana State Police, Houston Police Department Nightshift Crime Suppressant Team, and Harris County Sheriff’s Office assisted CPSO detectives on these cases.