A man in Kenner, Louisiana, is facing multiple charges after he allegedly stole an SUV and led officers on a high-speed pursuit. The chase ended when the stolen vehicle ran out of gas.
According to the Kenner Police Department (KPD), the incident occurred on Thursday, July 30. At the time, a 2024 Kia Telluride was reported stolen from an address on Carroll Street.
Apparently, the vehicle had exited Kenner. Some time later, Flock Safety cameras located the SUV reentering the city.
A traffic stop was attempted, to no avail. The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Richard Lacey, decided to flee, the KPD said.
Multi-Parish Pursuit
At a high rate of speed, Lacey was accused of fleeing the traffic stop. A pursuit followed onto the westbound Interstate-10.
The chase continued through different parishes, including St. Charles and St. John the Baptist. Relentless, the 52-year-old man refused to stop. Photos taken from the victim’s dashcam showed the man behind the wheel during his getaway attempt.
However, things changed as soon as the driver reached River Road. The man stopped in his tracks, but not because he wanted to.
Fuel Runs Out, Taser Deployed
One aspect that the vehicle thief had not taken into account was the vehicle’s fuel gauge. It was extremely low.
As a result, the SUV completely ran out of fuel once it reached River Road. The man’s attempt to flee had failed.
Still, Lacey wouldn’t let himself get caught, so he decided to ditch the Telluride and continue to flee from pursuing deputies on foot, the KPD said. Again, he was stopped in his tracks once a Taser was deployed.
Arrested and Charged
Richard Lacey was placed under arrest. He is charged with simple burglary, aggravated flight from an officer, simple criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Fortunately for the vehicle’s owner, the Telluride was recovered. It sustained no damage during the pursuit.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley thanked the St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Offices and the Louisiana State Police for their assistance during the pursuit. He also commended his police officers for their “professionalism, determination, and sound decision-making,” as well as the use of their Flock Safety camera system and his officers’ “outstanding investigative instincts.”
The KPD added, “Pro tip: If your getaway plan depends on someone else’s gas tank, you may want to reconsider your life choices.”