CPSO Issues Warrant for Texas Man for Vehicle Burglaries

Lake Charles, La – On February 23 and again on March 15, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives received a report in reference to a vehicle burglary.

During the initial investigations, it was discovered in both cases an unknown suspect driving a Chevrolet Malibu broke the window on a parked vehicle and stole cash from inside.  It is believed the suspect followed the victims from a bank on Ryan Street in Lake Charles, knowing they may be in possession of a large sum of cash, to the locations where the burglaries occurred.  The suspect stole a total of $10,000 between both burglaries. 

During further investigation, with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies in Texas, detectives were able to identify Brenson D. Lair, 31, Pearland, TX, as a possible suspect.  Detectives were later able to confirm, after the execution of several search warrants, that Lair was in the areas of the vehicle burglaries when the crimes occurred.

On May 24, CPSO VCIU detectives issued two warrants signed by Judge Ronald Ware in the amount of $170,000.  Lair, who was previously arrested in Texas, is charged with 2 counts of simple burglary; 2 counts of simple criminal damage to property; theft from $5,000 to $25,000; and theft from $1,000 to $5,000.  Lair remains incarcerated in Texas, awaiting extradition to Calcasieu Parish. 

Assisting CPSO VCIU detectives is the Lake Charles Police Department, who are working a similar case involving the suspect. 

CPSO VCIU Detectives James Rathke and James Jones are the lead investigators on these cases. 

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.