A Louisiana mother of three was recognized Tuesday for her quick thinking after she helped police pursue and capture a suspected shoplifter by lending an officer her car during a chase in Slidell.
The incident began Saturday at the Dillard’s store in Slidell, when Sgt. Jeff Kahrs of the Slidell Police Department responded to a report of an active shoplifting case.
Authorities said the suspect, 34-year-old Kelsey Baird of Navarre, Florida, noticed Kahrs entering the store and immediately abandoned the merchandise she had been attempting to steal.
When Kahrs confronted Baird, she fled through the parking lot and jumped into a waiting car driven by her boyfriend, identified by police as 43-year-old Eric Boudreaux of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Body camera footage shows Kahrs chasing Baird as she ran toward the vehicle.
The video captures Baird climbing into the passenger seat before the car sped away through the lot. As Kahrs ran after them, a passing driver stopped and offered help.
“Want to hop in?” the driver asked, according to footage released by police.
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Kahrs accepted the offer and directed the driver as they followed the suspects through nearby streets.
“The citizen-officer duo safely followed the suspects, while Sgt. Kahrs gave a play to play to responding officers via his police radio,” the Slidell Police Department said in a statement.
Backup officers quickly arrived and intercepted the suspects, leading to their arrest a short time later.
Both Baird and Boudreaux were charged with theft and resisting an officer by flight.
Baird also faces an additional charge for possession of methamphetamine.
Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau praised the citizen for her actions, noting that her assistance helped bring the situation to a safe end.
“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,” Seuzeneau said.
“Without hesitation, you assisted one of our officers… expecting nothing in return.”
On Tuesday, police identified the good Samaritan as Lesli Smith, a lifelong resident of Slidell.
During a ceremony attended by police officers and Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, Smith was presented with the department’s Citizenship Award in recognition of her help.
“All I was thinking at the time was, ‘How could I help?’” Smith said.
She added that she was impressed with the way police handled the pursuit and wanted to emphasize her appreciation for their professionalism.
“I was so impressed, that was my most important thing I wanted to come across,” Smith told reporters.
She said that after assisting Kahrs, she dropped him off near the suspects’ location, made a U-turn, and went back to her shopping trip at TJ Maxx.
Chief Seuzeneau said Smith’s actions reflected the type of cooperation that strengthens the relationship between officers and residents.
He also issued a warning to anyone planning to commit crimes in the city.
“We will do whatever it takes to catch you and fully prosecute you. Stay out of our city,” Seuzeneau said.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that both Baird and Boudreaux are being held on multiple charges related to the incident.
