SHREVEPORT, La. – Shreveport police have made six arrests connected to the theft of almost two dozen vehicles from a local car dealership in November.
The “complex, months-long investigation” was led by the SPD property crimes detectives, Cpl. Chris Bordelon said Tuesday.
“This case posed significant challenges due to the number of suspects and the coordination required to track and recover multiple stolen vehicles. The Shreveport Police Department commends the outstanding efforts of our property crimes detectives for their persistence, thoroughness, and professionalism in bringing those responsible to justice,” Bordelon said.
The thefts happened at Morgan Buick GMC located at Business Park Drive in Shreveport. Twenty-two vehicles were taken from the parking lot.
Investigators determined that Joshua Ratliff, an employee of the dealership, allegedly was at the center of the scheme. Ratliff is believed to have stolen multiple key fobs, which were then used to systematically remove vehicles from the property with the assistance of several accomplices.
As the investigation unfolded, SPD arrested Deandre Below on Nov. 27 after he was found in possession of some of the stolen vehicles. That arrest provided detectives with crucial leads, Bordelon said, including the involvement of Jerry Butler Jr., who was attempting to sell one of the stolen vehicles. Information about Butler's activities was obtained through a tip from Caddo Parish Crime Stoppers.
Further investigation revealed that Jordan Baker had also received some of the stolen key fobs. At the time, Baker was already in custody at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center for a similar crime. He was extradited to Shreveport in December to face charges related to this case.
In January, Lamale Gilyard was arrested after detectives linked him to the thefts. Jerry Butler Jr. was taken into custody on Feb. 25 for his outstanding warrants related to the investigation.
Lastly, on March 3, Corbin Houston was arrested, marking the final known arrest connected to the case.