EDGARD — Community members who watch out for each other can be as important as surveillance video when it comes to making arrests, Sheriff Mike Tregre said.

That proved to be the case this week after an Edgard nightspot was burglarized.

“They are a tight knit community and not much happens on the West Bank without residents knowing about it,” Tregre said. “When something happens, they are pretty knowledgeable about it. I wish we had that kind of cooperation on the East Bank.”

The sheriff credited community tips and strong police work with the Monday arrest of David Pierre, 59, of Edgard.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating the case Sunday morning after responding to a burglary at D and R Bar on East 6th Street in Edgard, where the complainant reported video poker machine break-ins.

An investigation revealed the perpetrator made forced entry into the building through the rear door, forced open two video poker machines and stole cash from the machines.

“Upon reviewing recorded video surveillance from the business and over the course of the investigation, investigators identified the perpetrator as (Pierre)” Tregre said.

Pierre was located near River Road and East 6th Street in Edgard, and detectives booked him with unauthorized entry of a place of business. Pierre remains in custody in lieu of a $2,500 bond.

“He broke into several video poker machines,” Tregre said. “(The investigation) didn’t take long. We had community support and we have the evidence to charge him. It was good police work between the Sheriff’s Office and community.”