Law enforcement officials have a tough job. They have to patrol large jurisdictions, always be on call, and use deductive reasoning to solve complex cases. However, they can’t do it alone. They need the help of the general public from time to time, as was the case in a recent incident involving a theft at a local business.

On Friday, Dec. 18, a female suspect reportedly stole items from a convenience store on Highway 21, and then fled in an escape vehicle with another male suspect.

Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley distributed photos from the business’s security camera to local media, including The Daily News, and urged citizens to call with information. The plea worked, as the two suspects were identified and arrested just four days later.

Parish Sheriff Randy Seal emphasized the importance of citizens working with law enforcement agencies to solve crimes, and we couldn’t agree more. We will do our part to get the information out as quickly as possible, both in the printed page and with our website and social media.

We hope that the public will continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, whenever the opportunity exists. We can work together to stamp out crime.