This highly unusual crime has led to the arrest of two suspects.
It is impossible to know the dangers lurking in dark streets at night. Trees can conceal all sorts of surprises and the silhouettes of houses can make it seem a little creepy as you drive by. This is especially true if you find an abandoned house in the middle the road. Wait, what?
This was the scene in Loreauville (La. ), a small town about 130 miles west from New Orleans. Around 3:30 AM, a report was received from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office about a legitimate house blocking all Berard Road. Although it’s only a short stretch of road that barely spans half a mile, a Facebook post from the sheriff’s Office states the illegal move caused significant damage and knocked out power for hundreds.
Although the single-story house was abandoned, along with the trailer and truck hauling it, it was not a mystery to police. According to State investigators identified Tony Domingue, 46, as a person of concern after previous dealings. It’s not enough to move a house. Domingue was warned by local authorities that permits were required. Domingue apparently ignored these warnings and the midnight move caused damage or destruction to many mailboxes and trees as well as road signs. The house also took out utility lines which, according to reports, cut power to 625 customers.
It’s not clear why the truck and house were abandoned on the street. It’s possible that Domingue was shocked by the sight of the arcing power lines falling down on him. Or maybe he just wanted to get into bed. Authorities tracked Domingue down and arrested him with Nico Comeaux, 32, because moving houses isn’t just a one-man show.
They won’t be getting a pat on the back. They are both charged with criminal damage, obstruction of highway commerce and violation of the Parish ordinance. Bail was set at $125,000.