Suspects caught after burglarizing Whitewater Car Wash

CLEVELAND — An alarm call at an area car wash led to the apprehension and arrest of two individuals last week.

CPD Officer Neal was dispatched to an alarm call at Whitewater Car Wash, 707 S. Washington in Cleveland, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 2:06 a.m.

Upon arrival, he observed a gold Jeep Compass parked behind a building in a parking lot adjacent to the car wash.

He activated his patrol unit’s spotlight to determine if the vehicle was occupied. He spotted no occupants in the vehicle at the time and, therefore, returned to the alarm call.

As he exited his patrol unit, he heard a car engine revving. Occupants inside the vehicle he had observed turned on the vehicle’s headlights and began to flee the area.

Neal pursued the vehicle, conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of S. Washington and the U.S. 59 Southbound feeder in front of East Fork RV Resort.

Upon making contact with the vehicle’s occupants, the driver was identified as Kelsey Layne Ferguson, 25, of Pinehurst, and the passenger was identified as Emmanuel John Milovale, 29, of Humble.

Officer Fleming arrived shortly after to assist with the traffic stop.

It was then discovered that Milovale had an active arrest warrant out of Harris County for evading arrest. He was immediately placed into custody.

While looking inside the vehicle, officers discovered walkie-talkies, which were powered on, a black mask, saw blades and several dozen tubular barrel keys commonly used at businesses.

As the officers continued with the traffic stop, the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office was called to assist and check the business to determine if there was a break-in.

The deputies who responded to the scene quickly ascertained that a break-in had occurred.

Detective John Shaver was then called to assist with the investigation, and the crime scene was processed. Evidence was collected from both the vehicle and the burglarized business.

During subsequent interviews, Ferguson and Milovale detailed their involvement in the burglary. Both are believed to be linked to similar burglaries throughout neighboring cities and counties.

Chief Darrel Broussard commended all the officers involved for their work on the case.

“Officer Neal spotting the suspicious car and making the decision to give chase versus remaining at the scene is what led to the capture of these two burglars,” said Broussard. “Officer Fleming’s inquisitiveness led to the location of the evidence to connect both occupants to the burglary. Sergeant Shaver’s quick arrival to the scene and subsequent interviews sealed the deal.”

Broussard added that his department appreciated its partnership with the LCSO and continued assistance.

Both suspects were charged with Burglary of a Building, a state jail felony.