A shoplifting incident in Jefferson Parish ended in a tragic car crash in New Orleans on Wednesday evening, leaving one person dead and two others injured. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) reported that one suspect has been arrested, while two others are still on the run.
The incident began around 7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Mall, where deputies were called to investigate a group of women caught stealing from a store. An off-duty deputy spotted the women making their getaway in a red SUV and radioed on-duty officers to alert them. The deputy followed the vehicle as it headed toward I-10 East.
Soon after, a short pursuit started. However, JPSO supervisors quickly called it off once the SUV crossed into New Orleans, at the Jefferson-Orleans Parish line. The deputies turned off their flashing lights and planned to return to Jefferson Parish via the St. Bernard Avenue exit.
Unfortunately, as the SUV came off the exit ramp, it slammed into another car on St. Bernard Avenue. The impact was devastating. Deputies immediately called New Orleans police and emergency services to respond to the crash.
Three women jumped out of the SUV and ran away, but one of them was caught nearby and taken into custody. The other two suspects are still being sought by authorities.
In the car struck by the fleeing SUV, three people were inside. Sadly, one person died at the scene, and two others were rushed to the hospital with injuries. The names of the victims and suspects have not yet been released.
Earlier in the evening, there was a heavy police presence in the area near Dillard University, as officers investigated the scene. Damaged vehicles and multiple sheriff’s units were visible, but details were limited at the time.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and more updates are expected as information becomes available.
