On 8-21-06, State Police Auto Theft Detective TFC Bryan Blount received a tip concerning the theft of a vehicle that had been towed by an unlicensed tow operator. TFC Blount called E.B.R.S.O. Auto Theft and asked for help with the investigation. On 8-22-06 State Police Auto Theft Detectives, Sheriff's Office Auto Theft Detectives as well as Baton Rouge Police Department Auto Theft Personnel conducted a search warrant on a residence located at 3325 Lanier Drive in reference to the vehicle theft. Due to the property being searched being approximately 40 acres in size and approximately 50 vehicles being located on the property, VIN numbers to all vehicles located on the property as well as trailers, construction equipment and 4 wheelers were written down to be checked as possible stolen vehicles. During the course of the search, a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu reported stolen through Baker Police Department on 2-6-06 under file number 06-822, a 1991 Geo Prism reported stolen to B.R.P.D. on 7-21-06 under file number 06-82738, a 1992 Chrysler Imperial (the initial car being sought), and a 1994 Case Super K Backhoe reported stolen to B.R.P.D. on 10-20-00 under file number 00-112370 were seized as stolen property. All other VIN numbers ran that day came back as no record on file or as not being listed as stolen.

On 8-23-06, E.B.R.S.O. Auto Theft personnel began running all VIN numbers using ISO claim search, a national insurance database where all vehicles involved in any type of claim are reported. This was done due to the fact that stolen vehicles are routinely purged out of NCIC after approximately a 4-year period. A diligent search of this database resulted in the locating of a 1994 8'X16' trailer reported as stolen to E.B.R.S.O. on 7-20-03 under file number 03-46391, a 1999 Honda TRX450 4 wheeler and a 2000 Bombardier 500 4 wheeler both reported as stolen to Monroe Louisiana Police Department on 10-19-01 under file number 01-23207. On 8-28-06, State Police along with E.B.R.S.O. Auto Theft personnel returned to the Lanier Drive address and took possession of the trailer and two 4 wheelers.

On 8-29-06, a Massey Ferguson Tractor and 6' bushhog, that had been found at 3325 Lanier Drive, were also found to have been reported as stolen to the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office on 12-17-01 under file number 01-1200110. State Police and E.B.R.S.O. Auto Theft Personnel again went to the residence and the tractor was then seized as stolen property.

Investigation continues and arrests are expected to be made at a later date.