Tractor Parts Thief Jailed by WPSO

On October 8, 2020. Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal utilized social media to ask for the public’s help to identify the person who stripped valuable parts from an antique tractor south of Bogalusa. Click here for that original story. A concerned citizen responded and provided information which led to the arrest of a suspect who sold some of the stolen tractor parts to a local recycling firm.

Based on that information, coupled with additional information from the person who saw a truck leaving the scene of the crime, as well as other information obtained during his investigation, WPSO Detective Chad Cassard obtained a warrant for the arrest of Matthew Richard Slade (age 46), a resident of North Jones Road located in the vicinity of the theft. On October 14, 2020, Detective Cassard, accompanied by Detective Raymond Myers, Lt. Chris Hickman and Deputy Kyle Stogner, went to Slade’s residence and arrested him. Slade was jailed, charged with two counts of theft and one count of criminal damage.

Slade has a record of six prior arrests in Washington Parish, beginning in 2007. Previous arrest charges include possession of heroin and other illegal drugs, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, probation violation and failure to appear in court.

“Many thanks to responsible social media and eyewitness citizens who came forward with valuable information,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “They were a valuable asset to Detective Cassard as he tracked down the thief. What kind of person preys on neighbors by stealing from them? The kind of person who deserves a bed in our jail.”