Police believe they have ID'd Shoppette robbers

The Plaquemine Police believe they have identified the two armed, masked men who held up a local convenience store on December 22, Capt. Kenneth Payne said Tuesday.

One, Spencer James, age unlisted, of 24820 King Street, Plaquemine, is being held on drug charges and a parole hold, pending the processing of evidence in the armed robbery case, Payne said.

Police are using a national crime database and the U.S. Marshals to search for the second suspect, Heron Link, a 33-year-old black man, the captain said. He said Link is originally from the Bayou Goula/White Castle area.

Additionally, Link's girlfriend, Edna Lanaute, 24, of Plaquemine has been arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact of armed robbery, the officer said. He said Link had been staying with her.

James was arrested at his residence on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, but could be charged in the armed robbery this week, Payne said.

Police found several pieces of evidence during a search of Lanaute's house, Payne said, and that she admitted knowing about the evidence and concealing Link's location from the officers.

Investigators used store surveillance video to identify Link, which led them to James, Payne said; the two are on parole after serving time in prison on two previous armed robberies in which they were both committed.

Two black men wearing hoods and masks robbed the Pelican Shoppette of some $5,000 at 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 22.

One of the robbers pointed a weapon, while the other jumped the counter and took the money. There were no customers in the La. 1 North store at the time.

The Plaquemine Police Department is asking those with information on Link’s whereabouts to call the department at (225) 687-9273.