Category: Crime

NOPD seeks to ID alleged Canal Street Saks Fifth Avenue fraudsters

New Orleans Police are seeking help to identify and locate two people wanted in connection to an automobile theft and attempted access device fraud at a Saks Fifth Avenue on Canal Street earlier this month.

Officials on Friday said that a gray 2021 Dodge Ram pickup truck was reported missing in the 3600 block of Rue Andree on Oct. 5, and that the victim stated his wallet and credit cards were in the vehicle.

Later that day, two suspects were observed on surveillance video footage attempting to use the victim’s credit cards at Saks, which is located in the 300 lock of Canal Street.

Anyone with information bout this this incident or with information as to the identity of these subjects is asked to contact any Fourth District detective at 504-658-6040. Anonymous callers can contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

The NOPD released surveillance camera footage of the alleged suspects:

2 people shot near Bourbon, Toulouse streets UPDATED

All photos by Eric T. Styles

Two people sustained gunshot wounds Saturday morning near the intersection of Bourbon and Toulouse streets, according to New Orleans Police.

Police said the shooting was reported shortly after 6 a.m. following argument between a man and a woman. Witnesses told The Quarter Rat that the two were arguing outside near a Toulouse Street bar when another woman walked up to the man and shot him in the chest at close range.

The gunfire injured a third woman, who was shot in the leg, police said.

Update 10/8/23, 1:29 p.m. EST: NOPD officials said they’ve arrested 30-year-old Shawnnika Smith Saturday evening in connection with the shooting.

Through an investigation, the NOPD identified Smith and issued a warrant for her arrest. Officials said she was located and arrested with the help of the NOPD’s Special Operations Division and was in possession of a 9 millimeter pistol. Police did not immediately say where Smith was arrested.

Smith was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on suspicion of attempted second degree murder, two counts of aggravated second degree battery, aggravated assault with a firearm and illegal discharge of a firearm, NOPD said, adding that she is presumed innocent until found guilty.

Eric. T. Styles, The Quarter Rat’s art director, said he was inside of his Toulouse Street apartment when he heard a rapid burst of gunfire but initially believed the shots echoed from elsewhere within the French Quarter.

It wasn’t until about an hour later when Styles stepped out of his apartment and saw fire personnel hosing off the street when he learned people were shot half a block away from where he lives.

Emergency personnel transported to the shooting victims to a local hospital, although their conditions weren’t immediately known as of Saturday evening.

The shooting is under investigation, NOPD said.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact NOPD’s Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080. Anonymous callers can contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Gunfire injures 66-year-old woman on Canal Street UPDATED

A 66-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound following an argument on Canal Street Sunday morning, according to New Orleans Police.

NOPD officials said the incident occurred at about 10:32 a.m. in the 700 block of Canal Street.

Two unknown Black males were arguing outside where the incident occurred when one suspect produced a gun and fired a shot, hitting the victim once, police said.

The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she was listed in stable condition, according to the NOPD. Neither the victim, nor the suspect were identified by police.

Update 10/8/23: Nola.com reported that New Orleans Police on Thursday arrested 26-year-old Darron Blue in connection to the shooting. Blue was booked into Orleans Parish Justice Center on suspicion of one count each of negligent injury and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Suspect in Bourbon Street attempted robbery sought by police, NOPD says

Picture courtesy of the NOPD.

New Orleans Police on Monday have asked for the public’s help with identifying a person who they say is the suspect in a Bourbon Street attempted armed robbery that occurred last February.

The incident occurred on Feb. 10 at about 3:13 a.m. in the 1300 block of Bourbon Street, where two victims reported being held at gunpoint, according to the NOPD.

Police investigators said that one victim struck the suspect and began struggling for control of the firearm. A good Samaritan intervened and the victim managed to take the gun from the suspect, who fled the scene on foot, the NOPD said.

Through an investigation, NOPD detectives positively identified the alleged suspect as the perpetrator in the incident and released pictures of the person on Monday.

Anyone with information about the alleged suspect or this incident is asked to contact NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080. Anonymous callers can contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.

2 sought in French Quarter business burglaries, NOPD says

From right to left: Donald Delaune and an unidentified white male. | Courtesy of the NOPD.

Two men suspected of burglarizing French Quarter businesses over the past two months are being sought by police, who are now seeking help from the public in locating the individuals, according to New Orleans officials on Monday.

New Orleans Police are seeking help locating 30-year-old Donald Delaune, who detectives identified as the perpetrator following an investigation into the alleged burglaries that occurred in August and September. The burglaries occurred in the 600 block of Pirate’s Alley, the 1100 block of Chartres Street and in the 400 block of Andrew Higgins Drive, according to the NOPD.

Officials said Delaune was seen with an unidentified White male in surveillance video footage, which was also provided by police on Monday.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Delaune or the identity of the pictured white male, is asked to contact the NOPD’s Eighth District at 504-658-6080. Additionally, callers can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111, or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.