Troop NOLA Troopers Make Quick Arrests After Vehicle Theft

On March 27, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Troop NOLA was notified of a Dodge Charger stolen from in front of a residence in the Lower 9th Ward. Troopers immediately began assisting the New Orleans Police Department with the investigation and, using investigative techniques, determined the vehicle had traveled to New Orleans East.

Troopers responded to the area, patrolled for the vehicle, and located the stolen Dodge Charger on Chef Menteur Boulevard just before 2:00 p.m. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, leading Troopers on a pursuit. The pursuit ended when the Charger crashed into the rear of an RTA bus near Michoud Boulevard. All three occupants fled on foot but were quickly apprehended—one of them found hiding in a dumpster.

During the investigation, Troopers recovered three stolen firearms discarded during the suspects' attempted escape. One of the firearms was equipped with an extended magazine and a “switch,” modifying it to function automatically.

As a result of the investigation, Troopers arrested the driver, 18-year-old Brynel Smith of New Orleans, on charges including Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Stolen Things, Unauthorized Use of a Moveable, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Illegal Carrying of Weapons, Obstruction of Justice, Hit-and-Run, Possession of Schedule I, Traffic related charges and Warrants for Simple Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

Also arrested were passengers 17-year-old Kameron Stephen of New Orleans , charged with Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unauthorized Use of a Movable, Possession of a Modified Firearm, and Obstruction of Justice, and 17-year-old Kareem Stephen of New Orleans, charged with Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Stolen Things, and Unauthorized Use of a Movable.
All three suspects were booked into the Orleans Parish Prison.

This case remains under investigation as Troopers coordinate with other agencies for a thorough investigation. Additional charges on these individuals are possible. Anyone with potential information related to this case is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. Information can anonymously be reported through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting https://speed-online.dps.la.gov/SuspiciousActivity/SAR or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

Contact Information:
Sgt. Kate Stegall
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]