A Louisiana mother of three turned an ordinary shopping trip into an extraordinary act of civic duty, stepping up to assist a police officer in a high-stakes chase after a suspected shoplifter.
This remarkable story unfolded in Slidell, where Lesli Smith became an unexpected hero over the weekend, as reported by the New York Post. Her quick thinking and willingness to help made all the difference in a tense situation.
The incident kicked off on Saturday at a Dillard’s store when Sgt. Jeff Kahrs responded to a shoplifting alert. He spotted the suspect, later identified as Kelsey Baird, who ditched the allegedly stolen items and bolted for the exit.
From Shopping Cart to Police Pursuit
As Baird fled through the parking lot, Kahrs gave chase on foot, only to see her leap into a waiting vehicle driven by her boyfriend, Eric Boudreaux. The pair sped off, leaving the officer momentarily stranded.
That’s when Smith, a lifelong Slidell resident, pulled up and offered a lifeline with a simple question: “Want to hop in?” Her car became an impromptu squad vehicle as Kahrs jumped in to direct the pursuit.
Bodycam footage captures the surreal moment of this citizen-officer team navigating the parking lot, with Kahrs relaying real-time updates over his radio. Their coordinated effort kept the suspects in sight until backup arrived to seal the deal.
Suspects Apprehended with Citizen’s Help
Thanks to Smith’s assist, police soon cornered Baird and Boudreaux, taking both into custody. The duo faced charges of theft and resisting an officer by flight, with Baird also hit with a count of meth possession.
This wasn’t just a win for law enforcement; it was a testament to community spirit trumping the chaos of crime. Smith’s actions remind us that sometimes the best defense against lawlessness is a neighbor willing to step up.
Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau didn’t hold back his gratitude, stating, “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.” His words cut through the noise of a culture often too focused on self-interest, highlighting the quiet strength of everyday folks.
Honoring a True Community Hero
On Tuesday, the Slidell Police Department formally recognized Smith with a Citizenship Award in a ceremony alongside Mayor Randy Fandal. Her humility shone through as she reflected on the moment, saying, “All I was thinking at the time was, ‘How could I help?’”
Smith also praised the police for their dedication, emphasizing how impressed she was by their response to the incident. She noted that after dropping Kahrs off to apprehend the suspects, she casually turned her car around and resumed shopping at TJ Maxx, as if aiding a police chase was just another errand.
Her story isn’t just a feel-good footnote; it’s a sharp reminder that community isn’t built by hashtags or progressive platitudes, but by real people making split-second choices to stand with those who protect us. Smith’s actions poke a hole in the narrative that ordinary citizens are too detached to care.
A Warning to Would-Be Criminals
Chief Seuzeneau took the opportunity to send a clear message to anyone thinking of targeting Slidell businesses. “We will do whatever it takes to catch you and fully prosecute you. Stay out of our city,” he declared with unflinching resolve.
That warning, paired with the community’s readiness to back its officers, paints Slidell as a place where law and order still hold weight. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the soft-on-crime policies creeping into too many cities, where consequences seem optional.
In the end, Lesli Smith’s split-second decision to help turned a routine shopping day into a powerful stand for justice. Her story, alongside the Slidell Police Department’s grit, proves that when citizens and law enforcement unite, even the smallest acts can outshine the shadow of crime.
