A Franklinton man was arrested Wednesday, in connection with a residential burglary in Washington Parish.

Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office said that a 911 call came into the WPSO on Wednesday morning, regarding a burglary in progress on Louisiana Highway 430. As deputies sped to the scene, they learned the burglary suspect had been detained by homeowners, but that the suspect was struggling, Haley said.

Immediately upon arrival at the scene, deputies restrained and arrested Alvin Gregory Magee, 52, a resident of Turnage Road near Franklinton, Haley said. Magee was transported to the Washington Parish Jail, charged with disturbing the peace by drunkenness, simple battery with injury and burglary of a vehicle. No bond has been set at this time.

Haley said that the scenario began when a homeowner who was dressing to go to work heard someone coughing outside of his residence. He looked and observed Magee inside his vehicle and rummaging through the contents, Haley said.

Finding nothing in the vehicle, Magee then reportedly went to the house next door, grabbed the handle of the storm door, and was attempting to open it. At that time, the first homeowner caught up with Magee, took him to the ground, and yelled for help, Haley said.

The second homeowner then came outside and helped restrain Magee while the homeowner’s wife called 911 requesting assistance. During the struggle with the homeowners, Magee reportedly bit one of them on the arm. When deputies arrived, they noticed Magee had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage and slurred speech, Haley said.

Magee is a regular resident of the Washington Parish Jail, having been locked up 20 times since 2008, including his latest incarceration. All of his previous arrests were for similar offenses and most were alcohol-related, Haley said.

“Alcohol is a liar and a thief,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “It promises a good time, but ultimately steals every semblance of a meaningful life. Mr. Magee is only one example of the tragedy of regular consumption of alcohol.The homeowners in this matter did a good job by capturing and restraining Magee until our deputies arrived.

“This is a good reminder for everyone to always lock your vehicles, keep a close watch on your neighbor’s house and call the Sheriff’s Office immediately if you need assistance.”