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Slidell Police Honor Resident Who Lent Car in Dillard's Shoplifting Pursuit

The department presented Lesli Smith a Citizenship Award after her quick assist helped officers arrest two suspects.

Overview

  • On Nov. 1, Sgt. Jeff Kahrs responded to a shoplifting at Dillard's in Slidell, prompting an on-foot chase captured on body camera.
  • The suspect, 34-year-old Kelsey Baird of Navarre, Florida, ran into a waiting car driven by 43-year-old Eric Boudreaux of Biloxi, Mississippi, according to police.
  • A passerby, later identified as Slidell resident Lesli Smith, offered Kahrs a ride to follow the vehicle while he radioed updates.
  • Backup officers detained Baird and Boudreaux, charging both with theft and resisting an officer by flight; Baird also faces a methamphetamine charge.
  • Police and Mayor Randy Fandal presented Smith with a Citizenship Award, and Chief Daniel Seuzeneau publicly praised her assistance and cautioned would-be thieves that offenders will be pursued and prosecuted.