What started as a private gun sale in Kenner ended with an alleged armed robbery, three missing handguns and a SWAT raid, according to police. Officers say the buyer, identified as Cayden Madison, robbed the seller during an exchange on the 4300 block of Macon Drive on Thursday, then took off with three firearms. Investigators later served a search warrant at a Kenner residence and booked Madison on armed-robbery and firearm-related charges.
As posted by Kenner Police, the victim had arranged to buy a 9mm handgun from a former high-school acquaintance, and the two met in North Kenner at roughly 7 p.m. Police say the suspect displayed two guns, then produced a third, before taking the victim’s newly purchased 9mm and leaving with all three weapons. According to the department, the victim called 9-1-1 and patrol officers later secured the scene.
How Police Say the Exchange Unfolded
Kenner Police identify the suspect as Cayden Madison and say he fled the area immediately after the robbery. Chief Keith Conley warned that "private firearm deals carry serious risk," urging residents to use caution when arranging transactions, per Kenner Police. Investigators secured search and arrest warrants after reviewing the 9-1-1 call and other leads, according to the department.
Search, Arrest and Evidence Recovered
KPD's SWAT team executed the warrants at a residence on Vouray Drive and took Madison into custody, the department reported. Officers recovered the victim's 9mm and "another stolen firearm" at the scene, and announced that Madison was booked on armed robbery, theft of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. Authorities did not immediately say whether any firearms were traced or if additional arrests were expected.
Charges and Possible Penalties
Madison faces an armed robbery charge that carries steep potential prison time under Louisiana law. According to Louisiana Revised Statute 14:64, armed robbery is punishable by hard labor for not less than ten years and up to 99 years, and using a firearm can add additional time, per Justia. As with any arrest, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
What to Know Before Buying or Selling a Gun
Police and federal authorities recommend extra caution for private sales. Federal guidance requires background checks for transfers that go through licensed dealers and reminds citizens to report stolen firearms to local law enforcement, as outlined by the ATF. Kenner Police also reiterated that private exchanges carry risk and asked anyone with information related to this case to contact the department.
The Kenner Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to reach out through its normal tip lines. No additional details about the victim or Madison’s arraignment were released as of Friday.
