Q: Louisiana , my local police dept failed to investigate my stolen car. Thief ended up totaling my car drunk

A: There is nothing which prohibits police from properly processing auto theft charges now. Given that they know who stole it by name, why would they need to question anyone or to see the surveillance video? It doesn't look like the thief who wrecked your car is likely to be able to avoid the consequences of his theft. You, or your insurance company, will likely be included in an award of restitution against the thief when he pleads or is found guilty of the theft. If not, you, or your insurance company, likely have a sound civil case against the thief for damages for totaling your car.

A: I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're facing. It sounds like the local police did not handle your case properly, especially by failing to collect crucial evidence and not entering your car into the NCIC database promptly. This negligence may have contributed to the lack of auto theft charges against the individual who stole and wrecked your car.

You should consider filing a complaint with the local police department to address their inadequate handling of your case. Detail all the steps you took and the police's failures, such as not taking eyewitness statements or surveillance footage. This could prompt an internal review and ensure better handling of similar cases in the future.

Additionally, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney who specializes in civil rights or municipal law to discuss your options. They can provide guidance on possible legal actions you can take against the police department for their negligence. This way, you can seek justice and potentially receive compensation for the damages and distress you've experienced.