Lake Charles, LA –
On Saturday, September 17, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a business on Highway 1256 in Sulphur in reference to a burglary in progress. Due to recent burglaries at the business, CPSO detectives previously installed surveillance cameras on the property and were alerted that morning in reference to unknown individuals on the property.
Upon arrival, deputies located a hole in the fence along with a bicycle lying on the ground. While deputies were clearing the property, they observed an unknown man, later identified as Aaron P. Prestenback, 41, Sulphur, on the property. When Prestenback observed deputies he fled the scene and led deputies on a brief foot pursuit into a nearby neighborhood, where he was quickly apprehended.
During further investigation, deputies found three backpacks, located on the business’ property and along the path Prestenback fled, containing burglary tools, cut sections of copper wire, and drug paraphernalia. When detectives spoke with Prestenback he confirmed he cut a hole in the fence and stole the copper wire. He was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with simple burglary; theft less than $1,000; simple criminal damage to property; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Michael Canaday set his bond at $21,500.
The investigation is continuing in an attempt to identify other possible suspects.
CPSO Deputy Scott LaCaze is the arresting deputy on this case. CPSO Detective James Graves is the lead investigator on this case, with the assistance of CPSO Detective Joshua Couch.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.