In a recent crackdown on retail crime, the Slidell Police Department was assisted by a quick-thinking Good Samaritan, who not only witnessed a shoplifting incident but also played a pivotal role in the suspects' capture. According to a social media post by the department, the incident unfolded at the Dillards store located at 940 Town Center Parkway.
Last Saturday afternoon, a detail officer was alerted to an active theft situation where 34-year-old Kelsey Baird, from Navarre, FL, attempted to elude capture after being spotted by law enforcement. Baird's accomplice, 43-year-old Eric Boudreaux of Biloxi, MS, signaled her with his horn from the parking lot. As Baird dashed towards the getaway car, Sgt. Jeff Kahrs gave chase. However, the officer's distance from his patrol car allowed the Good Samaritan to step in, offering a ride which Sgt. Kahrs accepted, enabling a continuous pursuit.
The collaboration between citizen and police quickly led to support from backup officers who successfully took the suspects into custody. Boudreaux now faces charges for theft and resisting an officer by flight, while Baird has been charged with theft, resisting an officer by flight, and possession of a Schedule II narcotic—specifically meth.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau praised the teamwork, saying, "First and foremost, fantastic job by both Sgt. Kahrs and the responding officers. To the Good Samaritan, who I spoke with this morning, people like you are the reason why Slidell is a great place to live and work. Without hesitation, you assisted one of our officers…expecting nothing in return. THANK YOU!" Seuzeneau's statement, intended as a deterrence, concluded with a stern warning to any would-be thieves considering Slidell as their next target, as per the Slidell Police Department post.
The police department also took the opportunity to clarify Louisiana's theft laws. Concealing merchandise with the intent to steal is a prosecutable offense in the state, regardless of whether the individual exits the store with the items or not.
