Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports two men were arrested Saturday night, March 29, 2025, for stealing communication wire off LA Highway 191 south of Zwolle.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Patrol FTO (Field Training Officer) A. Early was traveling on Hwy 191 just south of Obrie Street around 9:15PM Saturday night when he noticed two men walking in the ditch and a SUV and trailer parked on the shoulder of the road. Deputy Early stopped to investigate and identified Leon Glen Williams (age-43) of Zwolle and Joseph Chris Vines Jr (age-28) of Noble.
K-9 Deputy J. Alford and Sgt N. Sepulvado arrived on the scene to assist Deputy Early as both men were acting suspicious. Deputies located hundreds of feet of communication (copper) wire, a cutting saw, and straps lying on the side of road. Other cutting tools, blades, saws, and pieces of wire were discovered inside the SUV belonging to Williams.
Detective D. Self was called to the scene to lead the investigation and questioned Williams and Vines about the wire. Both men blamed each other for stealing the wire. The communication company was contacted and said it would cost over $50,000 to replace the wire.
Williams and Vines were transported to the Sabine Parish Detention Center and each booked for:
- Theft over $25,000,
- Simple criminal damage to property over $50,000.
Williams bond was set at $7,500, Vines bond was set at $5,000, they both bonded.
Sheriff Mitchell commends Deputy Early for being at the right place at the right time to catch these thieves in the act.
If you wish to report a crime or any suspicious activity, please call the Sheriff's Office at 318-256-9241 option 5, or submit an anonymous tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.