Investigators with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Brayton Galentine of Lafayette, who is wanted in connection with a burglary and vehicle theft last month. Major Ginny Higgins said Galentine is accused of breaking into a home in St. Martinville and stealing keys to the homeowners Ford Fusion, but he left a pretty incriminating piece of evidence behind.
“He went and took the vehicle that the keys were for and left with that vehicle, but he left his vehicle parked in their driveway,” said Higgins.
Higgins says it doesn’t appear the suspect knew the homeowner and as far as a motive.
“It’s the million dollar question. It’s kind of a very interesting type of crime when you leave your vehicle behind with all of your identifying information in it,” said Higgins.
Higgins says the stolen vehicle was found torched a few days later. Galentine is facing serious time if convicted.
“He’s looking at one count of simple burglary, which is a felony. He’s looking at one count of theft above $5000, which is another felony. He’s also looking at one count of simple arson, which is a third felony,” said Higgins.
Higgins encourages anyone who knows of the suspect’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.
