Slidell police say a good Samaritan helped them catch a Florida woman they accuse of shoplifting from a local store and a Mississippi man accused of helping her flee the scene.
It happened Saturday at the Dillard’s in the Fremaux Town Center.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau says a detail officer working at the store spotted the alleged shoplifter, Kelsey Baird, shortly after he was notified of the crime. According to Seuzeneau, Baird tossed the ill-gotten gains when she saw the cop and tried to run away from the store.
The officer gave chase, but Baird allegedly jumped into a getaway car, which then sped away. That’s when, Seuzeneau says, the good Samaritan offered the officer, Sgt. Jeff Kahrs, a ride in her car.
The pair then followed the getaway car while Sgt. Kahrs relayed details of the suspects’ whereabouts over his radio.
Minutes later, backup officers arrived, stopped the getaway car, and arrested Baird and her driver, Eric Boudreaux, 43, Biloxi.
Both Baird and Boudreaux are facing theft and resisting officer by flight charges. Baird is also facing a meth possession charge.
“First and foremost, fantastic job by both Sgt. Kahrs and the responding officers,” Seuzeneau said in a statement. “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!”