JENNINGS, La. – Teresa Webster, 56, of Boynton Beach, Florida, was arrested Tuesday after a vehicle crash on Interstate 10 led police to uncover her alleged involvement in a series of retail thefts across multiple states.
Jennings police responded to a crash involving an overturned trailer with trapped occupants along I-10. Fortunately, all individuals were rescued with only minor injuries. Witnesses at the scene told officers that a second vehicle, driving erratically, caused the collision.
The second vehicle was driven by Webster, who was suspected of being under the influence of narcotics. She was detained at the scene and underwent a toxicology screening. A search of her vehicle, authorized by warrant, uncovered drug paraphernalia and what appeared to be stolen merchandise.
Investigators later linked Webster to the theft of tools from a Home Depot in Slidell, Louisiana, and a $1,350 Louis Vuitton handbag stolen from a Dillard’s in Alabama. Surveillance footage from multiple retailers confirmed her involvement in a broader retail theft ring that extended from Florida to Texas along the I-10 corridor.
Police stated that Webster has a long criminal history, including prior arrests for narcotics possession, trafficking, retail theft, fraud, and possession of stolen goods.
She was booked into the Jeff Davis Parish Jail and charged with reckless driving, suspected DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple theft-related offenses. Her bond was set at $12,500.
