Shreveport Police Apprehend the Infamous ‘Fire Exit Lady’

Empty retail store aisle highlighting theft prevention measures.

News Summary

Shreveport police have arrested Catreece Madison, known as the ‘Fire Exit Lady’, after a year of targeted thefts. Allegedly using fire exits for escape, she was nabbed following a tip-off from a store employee. Madison faces multiple felony theft charges, totaling nearly $10,000 in stolen goods. Local authorities are urging community members to report any suspicious activities as they take a strong stance against habitual offenders.

Shreveport Police Catch the Notorious “Fire Exit Lady” After Year of Theft

In a surprising turn of events, Shreveport has recently seen the arrest of Catreece Madison, a 35-year-old woman who had become a notorious figure dubbed the “Fire Exit Lady.” Madison was taken into police custody on February 10, 2024, after allegedly pulling off a series of thefts that have left local store owners baffled.

The Long Run of The “Fire Exit Lady”

Madison’s escapades began on September 7, 2023, and over the course of a year and a half, she made at least 21 trips to the Youree Drive Target store. Her method for escaping? A crafty use of the fire exit! This clever technique quickly earned her an infamous nickname that the people of Shreveport won’t soon forget. In the span of her theft spree, she reportedly swiped almost 10,000 dollars worth of merchandise, which is no small cheese when you think about it!

Police Action After a Tip-off

The story took a turn when a Target employee noticed suspicious behavior and reported it to the authorities. This prompted a response from local law enforcement, who later spotted Madison trying to escape the scene. Though her clever escape tactics worked for her for a while, it seems that her luck had finally run out. After her latest theft on February 10, police were able to track her down, leading to her arrest and the end of her stealing spree.

A Look at the Charges

Madison now faces serious charges for her actions. She has been charged with one count of Felony Theft, but that’s just the beginning. Three specific thefts on February 2, 6, and 10 are highlighted in her charges. It’s worth noting that she had a history of theft—having racked up four prior theft convictions before her first known incident at Target. Her latest conviction took place on October 27, 2023, showcasing a troubling pattern for this habitual offender.

Stiff Consequences for Repeat Offenders

Due to her past, she has now been hit with an additional 18 counts of Felony Theft, one for each theft in her notorious spree. The Shreveport Police Department is taking a strong stance against offenders like Madison, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local businesses and keeping the area safe. This isn’t just about her, but a collective effort to protect the community from the ripple effect of theft. Local retailers and community members can breathe a little easier now that police are on the case!

Community Call to Action

The police are urging anyone with further information on Madison’s antics or any other suspicious activities to come forward. If you have seen something or know something, now’s the time to make your voice heard. Community involvement is vital in keeping Shreveport safe. You can reach out to the Shreveport Police at (318) 673-7300 or contact Caddo Crime Stoppers at (318) 673-7373. Your help could be the key to stopping people like Madison from causing more trouble in our beloved community.

As this story unfolds, one thing is for sure: the tale of Catreece Madison will likely serve as a warning to would-be thieves in Shreveport. With the local police dedicated to cracking down on theft and protecting businesses, it’s clear that crime doesn’t pay!