1 Suspect Dead, 2 Captured After Shootout With Armed Citizen During Attempted Car Theft

A car theft in Slidell escalated into a deadly confrontation when the car owner shot and killed one of the suspects. Slidell police arrested two other suspects, while a search continues for the fourth suspect.

SLIDELL, LA (2-minute read) — A car theft turned deadly in the early hours of Saturday morning, resulting in the death of one suspect and the arrest of two others. The Slidell Police Department continues to search for a fourth individual involved in the incident, who was last seen fleeing toward New Orleans.

The situation began around 1 a.m. when the police received a call reporting a suspicious person at The Masons Apartment Complex on Town Center Parkway. The caller noticed someone attempting to break into a parked vehicle, which prompted the response from authorities. Shortly thereafter, a second call reported gunshots originating from a black SUV near the same location.

According to detectives, the four suspects targeted a Chevrolet Camaro parked at the complex. When the car’s alarm was triggered, the owner confronted the would-be thieves, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One suspect was struck by the car owner before they all fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.

As Slidell Police arrived, they spotted the fleeing Escalade on Old Spanish Trail and initiated a pursuit that eventually led to New Orleans. The pursuit came to an abrupt end when the suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. A police canine unit was deployed, successfully apprehending one suspect hiding beneath a raised house and another behind a shed with a stolen firearm. One of their accomplices was found dead in the backseat of the Escalade.

The Slidell Police Department’s investigation revealed that the group traveled to the area specifically to steal vehicles, targeting the Camaro in a premeditated act. The two suspects who were apprehended now face a litany of charges, including illegal possession of firearms, simple burglary, and aggravated flight from an officer. Additionally, due to the fatal outcome of their criminal actions, they also face pending charges of murder and attempted murder.

The search for the fourth suspect continues as police work to bring all involved parties to justice.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your local laws regarding the use of firearms for self-defense. Understand the legal implications and ensure that any defensive action you take is in accordance with the law.