Cops: 100 mph chase of ATM robbery suspects ends in Slidell crash

Two New Orleans men are in jail for a series of armed robberies at automated teller machines on both sides of the lake. Authorities say the investigation led to a high-speed chase and crash.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, an investigation into a June 28 armed robbery of a man who had just withdrawn cash from an ATM on Hwy. 21 near Covington revealed connections with similar crimes that had happened recently in Mandeville and on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The sheriff's office said detectives in all jurisdictions involved began working closely on the case.

On Wednesday, July 3, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputies noticed a vehicle matching the description of the ones used by the ATM bandits.

"A pursuit ensued, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour," said Lt. Suzanne Carboni of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. "Several agencies participated in the pursuit, which ended when the vehicle crashed inside the city limits of Slidell."

Authorities say the driver and passenger fled on foot. Carboni said with K9 help, pursuing officers arrested 26-year-old Vondell Newsome of New Orleans.

Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for 20-year-old Leonard Earl Howard III of New Orleans, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, for armed robbery and other charges. He was apprehended Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111 or toll free at (877) 903-7867 (STOP).

Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their names and may be eligible for a cash reward.