09/07/2026
Vehicle theft suspect wanted, burglary suspect caught
VIDALIA— Vidalia police responded to a stolen vehicle call on Thursday morning at approximately 7:45 a.m. from a local business and later that evening, a vehicle was reported burglarized. On Friday morning at approximately 6:57 a.m., officers responded to another vehicle burglary and later that morning a business reported an attempted break-in.
Vidalia police quickly started an investigation into this vehicle theft after receiving the initial call at 7:45 a.m. Their investigation revealed the vehicle was taken Thursday morning around 1:44 a.m. Patrolmen and investigators continued working this case eventually locating the vehicle at approximately 11:00 a.m. The vehicle theft suspect was identified as Eric James Harr, 21, of Bastrop. Warrants have been issued for his arrest.
Friday morning, officers responded to two vehicle burglary calls followed by an attempted business burglary at RRUS, which led to the discovery of the Vidalia Church of Christ burglary. Patrolmen and investigators started work on this case immediately. Video surveillance obtained showed a white male subject leaving the fellowship hall of the church and attempting to break into RRUS at approximately 1 a.m. The public responded with names of possible suspects.
Late Saturday night, officers responded to a residence where an individual was attempting to steal some items. Vidalia officers along with Concordia Parish deputies saturated the area looking for the suspect. That individual was taken into custody after discarding a firearm he had in his waistband. He was identified as Samuel Alijah Roberts, 20, of Vidalia. He was also connected to the business burglaries and investigators are working to connect him to the vehicle burglaries.
“Our number one job is protecting the citizens of Vidalia, which we do not take lightly. We thank the citizens for entrusting us daily,” said Chief Joey Merrill. “We have a great team of Vidalia officers and we’re blessed to have the tools necessary to assist us in doing our job.”
A search warrant was executed at a house associated with Roberts. That search led to the discovery of stolen items and narcotics. Bryan Melton, 53, of Vidalia and Toby Bordelon, 56, of Natchez were arrested for possession of schedule II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This is an on-going investigation. If you have any information, please contact the Vidalia Police Department at 318-336-5254.
