NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- A suspect has been identified in a case of fraud involving a bogus vehicle purchase, after a tip from someone who saw the story on KLFY and alerted authorities, police said.
News 10 reported Oct. 4 that Mildred Walker said she paid $900 to a man to purchase a Chevy Traverse, and never heard from him again.
According to New Iberia Police Captain Leland Laseter, the KLFY story helped identify the suspect.
"After the story’s release, NIPD received a tip. The tipster provided the male individual’s name," Laseter said. "After collecting video footage, and with assistance from outside law enforcement agencies in conjunction with the information received from the tip, the male individual was positively identified as 38-year-old Kendel Shae Labbe."
Arrest warrants were obtained for the charge of felony theft on Labbe, who is also wanted by another agency, authorities said.
Laseter said detectives working the case have reason to believe Labbe may have victimized other people in a similar way around the Acadiana area. NIPD is looking into at least one similar incident.
Anyone knowing Labbe’s location is asked to contact the New Iberia Police Department. Information can be reported anonymously by calling the New Iberia Police Department at (337) 369-2306 or the Iberia Parish Crimestoppers at (337) 364-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted by downloading the City of New Iberia app on your smart device by clicking the link, or by visiting newiberiapolice.com.
