A Louisiana mother of three was honored Tuesday for her quick thinking during a weekend shoplifting incident.
Leslie Smith offered her SUV to assist Slidell Police Sgt. Jeff Kahrs in pursuing two suspects fleeing a Dillard’s store on Saturday.
Her prompt action helped ensure a safe resolution and highlighted the critical impact that citizens can have in supporting law enforcement. According to Fox News, the incident began when officers were alerted to a shoplifting in progress.
Suspect Kelsey Baird, 34, of Navarre, Florida, reportedly discarded stolen items upon seeing Sgt. Kahrs enter the store and fled into the parking lot.
Baird jumped into a vehicle driven by her boyfriend, Eric Boudreaux, 43, of Biloxi, Mississippi, who had been waiting nearby.
The initial foot chase quickly escalated, and police required additional assistance to track the fleeing car safely.
Smith, a preschool teacher and bystander, immediately offered her SUV to the officer.
Kahrs accepted her help, relaying updates over his police radio while Smith carefully followed the suspects’ vehicle through the parking lot and onto surrounding streets.
Backup officers soon arrived to intercept the suspects, ultimately arresting Baird and Boudreaux without incident, according to 4WWL.
Body camera footage shows Smith maneuvering her vehicle cautiously, using turn signals and maintaining a safe distance to protect pedestrians and other drivers.
Smith emphasized that she did not seek recognition for her actions, saying, “All I was thinking at the time was, ‘How could I help?’”
After assisting Sgt. Kahrs, she returned to her shopping at TJ Maxx, resuming her day as though nothing extraordinary had occurred.
Baird was charged with theft, resisting an officer by flight and possession of a schedule II narcotic, methamphetamine. Boudreaux faced charges of theft and resisting an officer by flight. Both suspects were taken into custody safely and without injury.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau praised Smith for her civic responsibility and bravery, presenting her with the department’s Citizenship Award during a ceremony attended by city officials, including Mayor Randy Fandal.
“She stepped up that day and demonstrated bravery, civic responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” Seuzeneau said, according to Fox 8.
The case sparked broader discussion about civilian involvement in law enforcement.
Legal analyst Joe Raspanti cautioned that allowing a civilian to participate in a police chase could create potential liability if an accident occurred.
Nevertheless, local officials, including Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, said that Smith’s timely assistance likely prevented further criminal activity and reflects strong community trust in local police.
Shoplifting remains a persistent challenge for retailers and law enforcement.
According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, theft accounts for billions of dollars in annual losses.
Prompt police response is critical to deterring repeat offenses and safeguarding both property and public safety.
Incidents like this illustrate how ordinary citizens, exercising calm judgment and initiative, can make a tangible difference in community safety.
Police continue to encourage residents to support public safety while cautioning against direct involvement in potentially dangerous situations.
Smith’s recognition underscores how one citizen’s quick thinking, civic-mindedness and courage can have a lasting impact, inspiring others and earning widespread praise across the community.
Her actions serve as a reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility, strengthened by collaboration between law enforcement and engaged citizens.
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