New Orleans police are asking for the public’s help to track down a person of interest in a recent vehicle-theft investigation, saying he may have information that could move the case forward.
According to a post by the New Orleans Police Department on Facebook, officers have identified 19-year-old Dashaun Brackens, born Nov. 7, 2006, who is listed as living in Chalmette. Investigators say Brackens may have information about a vehicle theft reported on Jan. 24 in the NOPD’s Fourth District.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Fourth District detectives at 504-658-6040, according to an NOPD bulletin distributed via GovDelivery. Tipsters can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP. Crimestoppers additionally accepts anonymous tips online through its website.
Who police say the person is
The NOPD Facebook post includes a photo of Brackens and basic identifying information. Police have not said he is charged in connection with the case; investigators have described him only as a person of interest who may have information relevant to the Jan. 24 vehicle theft. Officers are asking anyone who recognizes him or knows anything about the incident to come forward.
Why this matters
Vehicle thefts have been a persistent problem across New Orleans in recent years, with NOPD figures showing that thousands of cars were reported stolen in 2022. Police regularly lean on community tips to help close those cases. For additional background on the surge in auto thefts, see reporting by WDSU.
Media inquiries can be directed to the NOPD Public Affairs Division at [email protected], according to an official department bulletin. Fourth District detectives can be reached at 504-658-6040, and anonymous tips are accepted at 504-822-1111.
