A birthday greeting from the police department is probably not the notification most people hope to see when they check their phones.
Shreveport police had one waiting on Wednesday for Mandy Lindsey, along with news that a judge had issued a warrant for her arrest.
The department wished Lindsey a happy birthday on Facebook before getting to the less celebratory part: she is wanted on two counts of felony theft involving more than $19,000 worth of property.
Police are still looking for her.
Party Plans
Shreveport Police tied the warrant announcement directly to Lindsey’s birthday.
“Well, this is awkward — and definitely a first for us,” the department wrote.
The post offered Lindsey what police described as a birthday package featuring “free transportation” and “complimentary lodging” at a local correctional facility. Meals, security and a structured daily schedule, the department added, would all be included.
There was one other convenience.
“Mandy, no need to make a reservation,” police wrote. “The detective already handled the paperwork.”
Behind the birthday routine is an investigation into property that disappeared from a downtown Shreveport parking garage.
Gone By Friday
The stolen property included a boat, trailers, tools and other items with a combined value of more than $19,000.
KTAL/KMSS reported that the property had been stored in a parking garage in the 700 block of Edwards Street.
It was last seen Aug. 26. The owner discovered it missing after returning two days later.
Surveillance footage gave detectives their next lead.
A white Dodge Ram could be seen arriving at the garage and later leaving with one of the stolen trailers attached, according to the report.
Police eventually identified the vehicle and connected additional people to the investigation using license plate reader technology and law-enforcement databases.
Detectives also determined that Lindsey had access to the area where the property was being kept.
The department says surveillance footage, plate-reader information and other evidence ultimately led detectives to seek a warrant for Lindsey.
Birthday Warrant
A judge issued the warrant Wednesday — Lindsey’s birthday — giving the department an opportunity it apparently decided was too good to waste.
“Our detective made sure to let us know that today is Mandy Lindsey’s birthday,” police wrote, “and since Mandy is currently wanted by the Shreveport Police Department, we figured we should help make it memorable.”
The warrant covers two felony theft counts.
Lindsey had not been reported in custody when police publicized the warrant. A warrant is an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Anyone who knows where Lindsey is can contact Caddo-Shreveport Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.