Van Burglarized Outside Baton Rouge Hotel
Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service, woke up Saturday morning to find his vehicle burglarized outside a Baton Rouge hotel, WAFB reported. The founder, who travels nationwide offering complimentary yard maintenance, found that the front and rear windows on the driver’s side of his vehicle had been smashed during the night in the Marriott hotel parking lot situated on Hilton Avenue near Interstate 10. Whoever broke into the vehicle ransacked the interior and stole two lawnmowers meant as rewards for young volunteers who completed his 50-yard challenge.
Stolen Equipment Meant for Youth Challenge
The stolen mowers were intended for two children in Iowa who successfully finished the organization’s challenge, which asks youth to mow 50 lawns for free for the elderly, people with disabilities, single parents, and veterans. More than 6,000 children across the country participate in the program. Leaving Alabama on a Friday evening, Smith drove to Baton Rouge from Alabama to take part in the Louisiana Book Festival, where he promotes literature aimed at motivating students to help their neighborhoods. Repair crews replaced the front driver’s side window on Saturday, but a replacement for the back glass was immediately unavailable. Smith stated that he plans to replace the stolen mowers for the two children and holds no ill will toward those responsible.
Sadly, I woke up to some heartbreaking news this morning here in Baton Rouge , Louisiana. Someone broke into my van overnight, shattered two windows, stole a lawnmower, and ransacked everything inside. It’s honestly heartbreaking and deflating, especially when you’re simply… pic.twitter.com/NhYJ6vfar8
Baton Rouge Police Investigate Hotel Parking Lot Break-In
The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating the vehicle burglary. Just 24 hours prior to the event, federal authorities designated Baton Rouge as one of four nationwide sites for the Department of Justice’s Model Cities Initiative, an effort supplying federal backing to address violent and property crimes. Although figures released by the Baton Rouge Police Department show a citywide drop in overall crime, municipal authorities embraced the federal alliance. Mayor-Sid Edwards noted that the federal initiative serves as a reward for ongoing law enforcement collaboration and progress in the area.
Nationwide Mission Continues Despite Setback
Smith, whom WAFB first profiled in 2019, confirmed that the break-in will not deter him from continuing his nationwide mission or returning to south Louisiana. After completing vehicle repairs in Alabama, he is scheduled to attend another book festival in Michigan. “I’ve been to Baton Rouge many times,” Smith said. “It’s a beautiful place. I have family here. So, I will continue to come to Baton Rouge because I love it here.” Authorities ask anyone with information regarding the vehicle burglary to contact Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific items were taken from Rodney Smith Jr.’s vehicle?
The thieves stole two lawnmowers from the interior of Smith’s van after shattering the driver’s side front and rear windows.
Who were the intended recipients of the stolen lawnmowers?
The equipment was designated as a reward for two children in Iowa who completed the Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service 50-yard challenge.
Which law enforcement agency is handling the investigation?
The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating the parking lot burglary and encourages anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.
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