CHURCH POINT, La. (KLFY) — Two men were arrested in Church Point on June 26, 2024, after attempting to break into an ATM at a local bank. The suspects damaged the machine but were unable to access the money. The break-in was discovered when bank employees arrived at work and noticed the damage, prompting them to report the incident to the Church Point Police Department.
Surveillance footage from the scene revealed the vehicle used by the suspects, and employees identified it as one they had seen before in the parking lot. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle had been stolen from the Alexandria area.
With help from the Acadia Parish Intelligence Unit and the Acadiana Crime Fighters network, a broadcast was issued, and the vehicle was believed to be in the Maurice area. The Maurice Police Department located the vehicle and detained the occupants until Church Point officers could arrive on the scene. A search of the vehicle uncovered parts of the damaged ATM in the truck bed.
Arrests Made
Brennan Jeanbatiste, 23, of Breaux Bridge, and Jakavon Jermaine Sam, 19, of Arnaudville, were arrested and booked into the Church Point Police Department jail before being transferred to the Acadia Parish Jail. The men face multiple charges, including:
Theft or criminal access of an automatic teller
Theft
Illegal possession of stolen goods
Jeanbatiste was also charged with resisting an officer by providing false information during the investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation, as they believe these two suspects may be linked to other similar incidents in the region. The Church Point Police Department is working closely with other local agencies, as clothing and vehicle descriptions associated with the suspects match those seen in previous thefts. Additionally, Jeanbatiste is wanted in Texas, and warrants have been issued for both suspects in other jurisdictions.
The Church Point Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding the suspects or similar incidents to contact local authorities.
