DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest in Burglary at National Guard

After parking their vehicles at the 205th National Guard Center in July to travel to Slidell for training, 25 of our local National Guardsmen had their vehicles damaged and burglarized.  Franklinton Police responded to the Center on Monday July 25, 2016 and began an investigation that has resulted in the arrest of Evantrell Tennessee (age 18) of New Orleans. Tennessee was booked December 28, 2016 on the charges of Simple Burglary (26 counts), Criminal Damage (27 counts), Theft of Firearm (4 counts), Criminal Trespass, and Vehicle Burglary

DNA tests on evidence collected at the scene led to the arrest of Tennessee. Franklinton Police Chief Olander Smith said in July, “It is sad because, while people (our National Guardsmen) are out there protecting us and training to possibly go to war to protect us, and we have someone who break into their vehicles.”

Prior to his arrest, Tennessee was in St. Tammany Parish Jail for an August arrest charging him with Simple Burglary (2 counts), Resisting an Officer, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Canniboids, and Taking Contraband to and from a Penal Institution. 

In April of 2016, Tennessee was one of four arrested after a foot chase by NOPD in connection to car burglaries. Those arrested worked as a team, some serving as lookouts while others pulled on door handles and then broke into the vehicles. 

He was also charged in Orleans Parish on November 22, 2015 with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Auto Over $500, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Aggravated Flight From Officer (Life Endangered), and Criminal Trespass.

Police suspect others were involved in the Franklinton case and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.