APSO deputies arrested 39-year-old Gene McCauley after deputies responded to an alarm at Galvez Carwash, located at 40372 Highway 42 in Prairieville on Thursday, May 31.

Upon deputies’ arrival, they heard a subject inside the carwash building using a grinder to get inside the money boxes. Moments later the subject appeared on the roof through a hole that he had cut. According to Chief Deputy Bobby Webre, when deputies ordered the subject to come down, he refused and went back into the building.

Deputies used a ladder to gain access to the roof area where McCauley threatened to jump from the building. After a short struggle with the suspect, deputies were able to arrest McCauley without incident.

McCauley had approximately $400 in quarters and $179 in bills in his possession at the time of his arrest.

As the investigation continued, the sheriff’s office property crimes division was investigating five similar burglaries that occurred in the past few weeks at the Galvez Carwash and Sail Away Carwash. In each case over a thousand dollars was reported stolen.

Deputies conducted a search warrant on McCauley’s residence and located a quantity of steroids and drug paraphernalia.

Gene McCauley, 39, of 37225 Charlotte Ave., Prairieville, was arrested and charged with six counts simple burglary, six counts of felony damage to property, six counts of felony theft, six counts of criminal trespass, five counts of schedule III CDS, drug paraphernalia, and possession of burglary tools.

He was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.