2 Arrested In Auto Store Crimes

Shreveport police have arrested two people in connection with a number of thefts and even a robbery at auto supply stores. Randell Darnell, 70, of Shreveport is believed to have hired people to steal items, which Darnell then allegedly pawned. Most of the incidents occurred at Pep Boys in which a man wearing a leather jacket would run into the store, grab Kawasaki tools and then run out. Det. Roger Courtney found that many Kawasaki tools were being pawned and tracked the suspect down to Darnell. When officers went to Darnell`s home in the 3500 block of Colquitt Road on Tuesday, they arrested him and James Parks, 37, of Shreveport. Parks is believed to have been the person stealing the items from Pep Boys. The investigation continues, and other arrests are possible. Right now, detectives believe this group is tied to a robbery at Auto Zone, which occurred at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the 3400 block of Greenwood Road. In that case, two men entered the store and demanded money. At least one of them had a gun. Additional charges could be filed against Darnell and Parks.