Deputies recover stolen truck in New Orleans after spotting it in St. Bernard but sheriff reminds residents not to leave autos running while they go in a store

An Arabi resident got his stolen truck back Thursday night, Jan. 2, when sheriff’s deputies quickly spotted it and followed the driver and passenger into New Orleans before the men jumped out and escaped.

But Sheriff James Pohlmann reminded residents the incident is an example of how quickly something bad can happen if you leave an auto running with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked while entering a store to buy just one item.

“Fortunately, no child was left inside, which would have made it much worse,’’ the sheriff said. “But it is a reminder to lock your doors and remove the keys before leaving a vehicle parked outside.’’

In the incident, an Arabi resident entered a Chalmette convenience store about 8:30 p.m. to buy milk and left the motor running on his unlocked pick-up truck because he felt he would only be a minute, Sheriff Pohlmann said. “But just that quickly two men jumped in and stole the vehicle. Once reported, our deputies quickly spotted the stolen truck and followed the driver and passenger into New Orleans but couldn’t apprehend them before they parked it on a lawn on a side street and ran away.’’

Deputies found the truck on Tennessee Street near North Robertson Avenue in New Orleans, the sheriff said. New Orleans Police also provided assistance, he said.

After evidence was gathered from the vehicle, it was released to the owner, who was brought to the scene, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Nothing was reported stolen from the truck, but there was damage to a tail light, the owner reported.