New Orleans police are asking residents to keep an eye out for Arthur C. Cook, a man investigators say is wanted in connection with two recent violent incidents: a Jan. 16 simple robbery in the 3300 block of Baudin Street and a Feb. 12 carjacking near the intersection of Banks and South Salcedo streets. In both cases, detectives say a victim was attacked and property was taken, with the second incident ending in a stolen vehicle. Photos and identifying details have been released as officers work to track him down.
Police release details and images
According to the New Orleans Police Department, detectives have identified Arthur C. Cook (born June 15, 1969) as the suspect in both cases. The department notes that Cook is a Black male and that the Jan. 16 incident in the 3300 block of Baudin Street involved an assault and theft of property. The same suspect is then accused of assaulting a victim near Banks and South Salcedo on Feb. 12 and taking that person’s vehicle.
How to report tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact First District detectives at 504-658-6010, or to submit an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111, toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP, or online at Crimestoppers GNO. Crimestoppers explains that callers remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. Police are asking the public not to approach the suspect, and instead to share any surveillance footage or photos directly with detectives.
Where this fits into local crime trends
Vehicle thefts and carjackings have been a recurring concern in New Orleans in recent years, with both city data and outside watchdogs documenting periods of sharp increases and subsequent dips. The Metropolitan Crime Commission has tracked those shifts and notes that community tips and video evidence are often critical in tying suspects to specific incidents, which is why investigators continue to lean on public assistance in cases like these, per the Metropolitan Crime Commission.
Investigation status and legal note
The department also reminds the public that “all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty” and that the release of Cook’s information is intended to generate leads, not to assign guilt, according to NOPD. So far, police have not announced any arrests or filed charges in either case. Detectives say they will update the public as new developments emerge.
