Authorities in Louisiana Asking For Help Locating Vehicle Theft Suspect in St. Bernard Parish

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana – Authorities in Louisiana are asking for help in locating a vehicle theft suspect in St. Bernard Parish.

Sheriff James Pohlmann announced that the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for a Slidell, Louisiana male suspect wanted in connection with an April 23 auto theft in Meraux, Louisiana.

Malike Batiste, 22, of the 1000 block of Sun Valley Lane in Slidell, Louisiana is wanted on suspicion of auto theft.

Deputies responded to a call for assistance in the 2200 block of Emilie Oaks Drive in Meraux, Louisiana, shortly before 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 23, according to Sheriff Pohlmann.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they were met by the victim, who stated that their 2021 white Ford F-150 pickup truck had been stolen from their driveway early in the morning. Two off-road motorcycles found in the truck’s bed were also reported missing.

Detectives of the Criminal Investigations Bureau were able to identify Batiste as the suspect during the course of the inquiry.
The stolen truck was found in Baton Rouge, Louisiana but the two motorcycles are still missing.

During the investigation, detectives discovered that several other residents of the Emilie Oaks subdivision had their vehicles rummaged through in the early morning hours of April 23, but nothing was reported stolen.

Authorities are asking that anyone with information about the whereabouts of Batiste and the two motorcycles is asked to contact the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS (8477), or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111.

Authorities indicated that callers to the CIB tip hotline or Crimestoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.