Police in Slidell have arrested a man in the theft of more than 100 wheels, stolen from cars at a car dealership late last month.
"We're happy to announce that after a month-long investigation, Slidell Police detectives have made an arrest in an elaborate tire theft case from the Matt Bowers Chevrolet car dealership," said Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal. "In all, 124 ties and wheels were stolen."
Fandal said the thieves were not amateurs, nor were they from the area. Detectives traced the suspect to the Houston area and spent several days working with Houston police and other authorities to find the culprits, said Fandal.
Police arrested 39-year-old Eric Summage of Humble, Texas. A second suspect, 44-year-old Riley Richardson of Houston, is at large but wanted by Slidell Police.
Police say other suspects have been identified, and detectives are in the process of securing arrest warrants.
Authorities estimated the value of the tires and rims stolen from the Matt Bowers automotive dealership at $120,000.
"In total, it's believed that this professional ring ins responsible for millions of dollars in tire thefts," said Fandal. He said the suspects are now wanted for similar charges in Texas, too.
