Ruston Police have arrested a suspect in connection with recent burglaries targeting businesses along near downtown Ruston, as well as a prior incident on Farmerville Highway.
James Simpson Jr., 23, of Simsboro, was identified by investigators and has been booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on three counts of simple burglary.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of April 26, when officers responded to a reported burglary in the 800 block of North Trenton Street. An individual had forced entry into the business, stealing multiple items including cell phones and gaming systems.
Investigators later determined two of the stolen items had been pawned in Haughton. Surveillance footage obtained from the pawn shop was compared to video from the burglary scene, confirming the same individual was responsible for both the break-in and pawning the stolen goods.
As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Simpson and linked him to an additional burglary that occurred in November 2025 on Farmerville Highway. Authorities also identified a vehicle associated with the suspect.
On April 30, officers responded to another burglary in the 900 block of South Vienna Street, where forced entry was again used to gain access. With suspect and vehicle information in hand, officers later located Simpson traveling on Highway 167 South and conducted a traffic stop after observing a violation.
In a search of Simpson’s vehicle, officers recovered tools believed to have been used in the burglaries, including a tire iron and a hammer, along with two cell phones. One of the phones was confirmed to have been stolen during the North Trenton burglary.
Simpson was transported to the Ruston Police Department for questioning, where he reportedly admitted to committing all three burglaries. Following the interview, Simpson was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of several stolen cell phones and a firearm reported stolen in a separate vehicle burglary in Lincoln Parish.
Police Chief Eric Watson praised the efforts of investigators and patrol officers, noting their work in connecting multiple cases demonstrates the department’s investigative capabilities.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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