SLIDELL, La. — A shoplifting incident at a Dillard’s department store turned into a brief chase Saturday afternoon before a Good Samaritan stepped in to help police apprehend the suspects, according to the Slidell Police Department.

Around 3 p.m., a detail officer at the Dillard’s on Town Center Parkway was alerted to a shoplifting in progress. Police say 34-year-old Kelsey Baird, of Navarre, Florida, dropped the items and ran after spotting Sgt. Jeff Kahrs approaching.

Her alleged accomplice, 43-year-old Eric Boudreaux, of Biloxi, Mississippi, was waiting in the parking lot and honked to reveal his location before Baird jumped into the passenger seat and the pair fled.

With his patrol vehicle not immediately accessible, Sgt. Kahrs accepted a ride from a bystander who witnessed the chase unfold. The citizen drove while Kahrs radioed updates to responding officers. Backup officers arrived shortly after and stopped the suspects, taking both into custody.

Boudreaux is charged with theft and resisting an officer by flight. Baird is charged with theft, resisting an officer by flight, and possession of a Schedule II narcotic.

“Fantastic job by Sgt. Kahrs and the responding officers,” Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said. “To the Good Samaritan — you are the reason why Slidell is a great place to live and work.”

Police also reminded the public that in Louisiana, concealing merchandise with intent to steal constitutes theft, even before leaving the store.

Source: Slidell Police Department