Jasper PD believes couple went on seasonal stealing spree

JASPER - by Steve Stewart/KJAS -

Police in both Jasper and DeRidder now believe that the two people apprehended in a stolen car on Monday here in Jasper were on a seasonal stealing spree.

Officers believe the two suspects, Analisia Smith, 23, and William Johnson, 20, both of Jasper, first went to Leesville and then to DeRidder where they allegedly stole the car they were caught in.

Investigators say that one of the actors distracted a clerk at the Wal-Mart Superstore on Highway 171, while the other took some keys from behind a counter, which they hoped would allow them to open cabinets containing cell phones and other expensive items. However, when they discovered the keys instead went to a car, the two ran around the parking lot punching the button on key fob until they found out which vehicle the keys went to.

The suspects soon located a 2008 Nissan Sentra belonging to the clerk and made their get away. However, police believe that somewhere between DeRidder and Jasper, the car was involved in a wreck or accident, which damaged the front left tire, forcing them to replace it with a small temporary spare.

The wheel of the car was damaged causing the vehicle to drive erratically, and that it what brought it the attention of Jasper patrol officer Jimmy Neel, who stopped the car and apprehended the suspects near the intersection of Manual and East Milam Streets.

Police say that upon recovery of the vehicle, cell phones, liquor, cameras and other items believed to have been stolen from various businesses were found in the car.

At last word, both Johnson and Smith, who are each charged with two counts of theft, were being held at the Jasper County Jail. Bond on each suspect was set at a total of $50,000.00 and they were waiting extradition back to Beauregard Parish.