Lake Charles, LA –
On May 2 at approximately 8:00 p.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call in reference to someone attempting to steal wire off a utility pole in the area of Gray Road and West Street in Vinton.
When deputies arrived they located a truck in the area with electrical wire attached to the bumper. Deputies made contact with the driver and passenger of the truck, Spencer D. Conner, 48, 3211 Warren Ave., Lake Charles, and Gene A. Constance, 43, 4883 Highway 108, Sulphur. During the initial investigation it was learned Conner and Constance had tied a loose wire hanging from the utility pole to the back of the truck in an attempt to steal it. The suspects put the truck in drive and began pulling on the wire, causing the pole to fall over. It was learned once the utility pole fell there was an electrical outage to several neighborhoods in the area. During further investigation Constance was found to be in possession of marijuana, several pills, and drug paraphernalia.
Conner and Constance were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. They were both charged with criminal damage to property $1,000 - $50,000; and theft less than $1,000. Constance is additionally charged with possession of drug paraphernalia; 3 counts of possession of CDS IV, possession of a legend drug; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Michael Canaday set Conner’s bond at $11,000 and Constance’s bond at $20,500.
CPSO Detective John Coffman is the lead investigator on this case.