A NPSO Communications Deputy assigned to NATCOM 911 Center received a 911 call from a Glenmora man wanting to report his vehicle stolen from Cowboys Truck Stop located in the 900 block of Hwy 174 just off I-49 in Ajax. NPSO Deputies were dispatched to the scene. While the 911 operator was speaking with the complainant, she learned that he stopped at the truck stop to use the restroom and purchase a beverage. He left the vehicle running and unoccupied.

 

The complainant stated that he exited his vehicle and while walking in the business he encountered a male standing outside that requested a ride to Shreveport. He walked into the business, then soon afterwards observed his vehicle, a red 2016 Ford F-250, Platinum, pickup truck valued at approximately $45,000 driving off. The complainant then ran outside yelling for the suspect to stop, however, he refused and traveled northbound on Interstate-49.

 

NPSO Communications Supervisor Kim Green and Communications Specialist Trey Milsap then immediately issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) message to local units and surrounding parish law enforcement agencies. Approximately 24 minutes later, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Deputies intercepted and stopped the stolen vehicle near the intersections of Hwy. 175 and Hwy. 5 in DeSoto Parish.

 

DeSoto deputies arrested and identified the driver of vehicle as being 38-year-old Christopher A. Budds of Keithville. Budds was transported and booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. A hold has been placed on Budds by NPSO Deputies pending vehicle theft charges in Natchitoches Parish.

 

The vehicle was recovered in good condition. Deputies remind the public to never leave your vehicle running, and unlocked while stopping at convenience stores or gas pumps. Criminals use different methods and techniques to steal automobiles.