11/19/24 Louisiana, MO – Officer Was Out Of His Marked Patrol Car – A Thief Jumped In And Stole It – The Patrol Car Was Found After Hitting A Stop Sign And Being Abandoned – No Arrest At This Time

November 19, 2024

www.khqa.com

 According to Louisiana Police Chief Josh Baker, upon further inspection it was discovered that the key fob for the stolen vehicle had a malfunction that prevented it from locking the car.

The Louisiana Police Department currently has two suspects in the case of a stolen police car, according to Chief Josh Baker.

The incident happened on the afternoon of November 14th near 6th and Carolina Street. The vehicle involved was a Dodge Charger.

An officer was out of the car speaking with residents when the vehicle was taken.

The thief or thieves drove the car for around two blocks before hitting a stop sign and fleeing. No pursuit was given, and no arrest were made at the scene. The officer though they had hit the lock button before the car was stolen.

Normal police items were present in the vehicle, including radios and firearms. Everything was accounted for after the vehicle was recovered.

The names of the suspects have not been given.

When arrested, they will be charged with motor vehicle theft, destruction of property, and fleeing the scene of an accident.

Chief Baker declined to comment on if the officer would be reprimanded, citing personnel issues.