NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) — A suspect has been identified in a fraudulent vehicle purchase case, thanks to a tip from a viewer who saw the story on KLFY and alerted authorities.
On October 4, Mildred Walker reported that she paid $900 to a man for a Chevy Traverse but never heard from him again. Following the broadcast, New Iberia Police Captain Leland Laseter stated that the KLFY report helped in identifying the suspect.
“After the story’s release, NIPD received a tip. The tipster provided the male individual’s name,” Laseter explained. After reviewing video footage and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, Kendel Shae Labbe, 38, was positively identified as the suspect.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Labbe on charges of felony theft, and he is also wanted by another agency. Laseter mentioned that detectives believe Labbe may have targeted other victims in a similar manner around the Acadiana area, and they are currently investigating at least one additional incident.