Six Arrested in Shreveport Multi-Vehicle Theft Scheme

Police investigation of vehicle theft at a car dealership in Shreveport

News Summary

In Shreveport, Louisiana, six individuals have been arrested in connection with a multi-vehicle theft scheme linked to the local dealership, Morgan Buick GMC. The investigation, initiated by the Shreveport Police Department after numerous theft reports, revealed that the suspects were involved in stealing 22 vehicles over several months. Key figures included dealership employee Joshua Ratliff, identified as the mastermind, and others caught attempting to sell stolen vehicles. As arrests were made, the investigation continued to address the complexities of the operation and ensure justice for the stolen cars’ owners.

Six Arrested in Shreveport Multi-Vehicle Theft Scheme Linked to Local Dealership

In a surprising twist, Shreveport, Louisiana is at the center of a multi-vehicle theft saga that has unfolded over several months, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) has been working tirelessly since November 2024 to bring these suspects to justice after reports emerged of 22 stolen vehicles from the local dealership, Morgan Buick GMC.

Investigation Begins

The investigation kicked off when a series of vehicle theft reports started pouring in from Morgan Buick GMC, located on Business Park Drive. The sheer number of thefts raised eyebrows and led local authorities to take action. What started as a routine inquiry quickly escalated into an intricate investigation involving multiple suspects, each playing a crucial role in the scheme.

The Mastermind Revealed

At the center of the operation was Joshua Ratliff, an employee at Morgan Buick GMC. Authorities believe that he was the brain behind the entire operation, using his insider knowledge to orchestrate the thefts. Ratliff allegedly stole several car key fobs, which made it easier for his accomplices to grab vehicles from the dealership.

Key Suspects Taken Down

The first significant breakthrough came on November 27, 2024, when Deandre Below was arrested. Caught red-handed with some of the stolen vehicles, Below’s arrest opened up a floodgate of leads for investigators. His connection to the theft ring was cemented as further evidence against other suspects began to emerge.

Meanwhile, Jerry Butler Jr. quickly became another suspect when he attempted to sell one of the stolen cars. Investigators received a vital tip from Caddo Parish Crime Stoppers, which helped them tighten their grip on Butler’s activities and tie him more firmly to the robbery spree.

Connections and Extraditions

As the investigation deepened, it was discovered that Jordan Baker, also linked to the thefts, had gotten his hands on some of the stolen key fobs. At the time investigators were putting the pieces together, Baker was already behind bars at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center for a similar crime. It didn’t take long for authorities to extradite him to Shreveport in December 2024 to face new charges related to this ongoing matter.

Other Arrests and Final Suspects

The theft ring was not limited to just a few suspects. Lamale Gilyard was arrested in January 2025 after detectives connected him to the series of thefts, further unraveling the network. In a twist of fate, another suspect, Butler, found himself in handcuffs once more on February 25, 2025, due to outstanding warrants linked to the case. As investigators continued their pursuit, the last known arrest occurred on March 3, 2025, when Corbin Houston was apprehended, sealing the fate of this tangled web of thieves.

Challenges in the Investigation

This case highlighted the challenges law enforcement faced, not only in identifying the numerous suspects involved but also in coordinating the recovery of the stolen vehicles. With each arrest, some vehicles were returned to their rightful owners, but the investigation remains complex due to the multitude of parties involved and the various layers to the theft operation.

Presumption of Innocence

It’s essential to note that all individuals arrested in this case are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The SPD continues to investigate as the community breathes a collective sigh of relief at the thought of having these individuals off the streets. As more details emerge, residents of Shreveport remain hopeful for a swift resolution and better security for their local businesses.