LAPLACE — A local man is accused of attempting to break into a snowball stand and nail salon last week, one time using a motorized saw.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded Jan. 4 to Reese Snowball Stand on Eagle Street in LaPlace, where the victim said a man with a sawzall attempted to gain access to the stand before suddenly fleeing in a car.

Deputies discovered cut marks from a blade on the door and broken windows, according to a Sheriff’s Office release.

A description of the fleeing car that headed south on Cardinal Street and Louisiana 628 led to a traffic stop at the intersection of Main Street and West Fifth Street, where deputies observed the suspect, identified as Jeremy Scroggs, exiting the vehicle, the release said. Scroggs confessed to attempting to break into the snowball stand, authorities said.

During further investigation, Scroggs also confessed to burglarizing Queenie Nails.

He was booked with simple criminal damage to property – under $500, attempted simple burglary and simple burglary – immovable structure. Police said he was being held this week in custody in lieu of a $31,000 bond.

Police linked Scroggs to the Jan. 2 burglary of Queenie Nails on West Airline Highway in LaPlace.

At the scene, deputies said they discovered damage to entry doors, and the victim reported snacks and refreshments were missing.

“With video surveillance recovered from the business, detectives obtained a description of the suspect later identified as Jeremy Scroggs,” a Sheriff’s Office release said.