Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Keystone Subdivision in the early morning hours of Friday, October 19, in reference to a report of suspicious subjects entering vehicles in the area. When patrol deputies arrived, they observed a vehicle leaving the area and conducted a traffic stop. All three of the vehicle’s occupants fled on foot and were unable to be immediately located. A search of the vehicle lead to the recovery of stolen electronics, firearms, and other items identifying the vehicle’s owner.
Detectives assisting in the investigation were able to identify the driver of the suspect vehicle as 18 yearold Adrian Allen Johnson and one of the other occupants as 18 year-old Mark Anthony Darby, Jr., both of Gonzales. Detectives are still investigating the identity of the third suspect.
A total of 18 vehicle burglary complaints were taken from the Keystone area, with at least 15 vehicles actually being entered. Three firearms were reported stolen and two were recovered from the abandoned suspect vehicle. Video surveillance obtained during the investigation showed the three offenders pulling on vehicle doors to check if the vehicles were locked or unlocked. The suspects were also seen on surveillance footage entering an open garage, but nothing was reported missing.
Both Darby and Johnson have been arrested and charged with 15 counts of vehicle burglary, 4 counts attempted vehicle burglary, 1 count simple burglary, 3 counts theft of a firearm, 8 counts of theft, 18 counts of trespassing, and 1 count of resisting. Johnson’s bond has been set at $37,000 and Darby’s at $47,500. Darby has a previous arrest for vehicle burglaries in August of 2018 and was released on a $27,000.00 bond.
Anyone having information on this case is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-621-4636 or by texting 847411 to our anonymous tip line from any cellular device or Greater Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7868). To be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers immediately