Two Slidell Police Officers and K-9 Injured During Manhunt

On Monday (May 15, 2023), Slidell Police received a 911 call from a man who stated his 2005 Ford F-250 was just stolen from the parking lot of Club 4 Fitness (851 Brownswitch Road). The man stated he went inside for a brief moment to handle some paperwork, and upon exiting the gym, he heard his truck starting. The man looked and saw his truck driving away at a high rate of speed.

An alert Slidell Police officer spotted the vehicle near Interstate 10. When attempting to stop the truck, the driver fled towards New Orleans. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed near the Michaud Boulevard exit. The truck burst into flames, but the suspect crossed the interstate and fled into the woods. A massive manhunt ensued with multiple law enforcement agencies. 

During the manhunt, two officers and one K-9 dog were injured. The officers and K-9 were attacked by hundreds of hornets, while in the marshy landscape looking for the suspect. Both officers, along with the K-9, were rushed back to Slidell to a local emergency room. All three have been treated and released, with the K-9 having to be closely monitored for any allergic reaction to the stings.

Unfortunately, the suspect was able to elude officers and still remains at-large. At dusk, the manhunt was called off for the evening. 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or Slidell Police at 985-643-3131. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. 

The suspect is described to be an African American male with noticeable hair...potentially large dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing dark colored clothing and red gloves. It can be assumed that the suspect will have a large amount of cuts all over his body from both the crash and running through the marsh/woods.