A video surveillance system at a parish business enabled Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives to identify a burglary suspect and subsequently arrest her for the crime.

On Thursday, June 23, Shelby Leigh Ann Nowell, 23, a resident of North Dary Road in Poplarville, Miss., was arrested by Washington Parish detectives for burglary of a business located on Highway 10 east in Bogalusa, Chief Deputy Mike Haley said.

Video provided by the business owner showed a male and female burglarize a vehicle parked in front of the business, then use a tool obtained from that burglary to break out a glass panel on the front of the business to gain entry. Once inside the business, the couple stole merchandise, cash and the cash register for a total loss to the business of more than $5,000.

The video of the burglary was shown to members of the public, who confirmed the identity of the female as Nowell. With assistance from the Pearl River County (Miss.) Sheriff’s Office, Washington Parish detectives were able to recover the cash register and locate and arrest Nowell, who was transported to the Washington Parish Jail.

After being interviewed and confronted with the video evidence, Nowell reportedly confessed to the crime. The investigation continues and the male suspect in the crime is expected to be identified and arrested, Haley said.

Washington Parish Detective Lt. Tom Anderson commented on the use of video surveillance cameras in both business and residential locations.

“Video obtained from surveillance cameras is a valuable tool to enable law enforcement to identify lawbreakers and arrest them,” Anderson said. “I encourage all businesses and homeowners to install a good quality camera system with recording capability.”

Parish Sheriff Randy Seal also responded to news of the arrest.

“I would think that these knucklehead thieves would realize that there is a strong likelihood they will be caught and jailed,” Seal said. “They certainly should realize that we will pursue them until we catch them, no matter how long it takes. It does no good for them to run back and forth across state lines, because we work closely with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

“I am grateful for the fine working relationship we have with Sheriff David Allison and his fine officers at the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office who provided valuable assistance in this matter.”