New Orleans police are asking the public to help identify a man accused of hopping into a parked car in the French Quarter, driving off, and leaving detectives to piece together what happened on busy Canal Street.
On Thursday, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) released surveillance stills of a suspect wanted in connection with an auto theft that took place one week earlier. Investigators say the man drove away in a vehicle parked in the 200 block of Canal Street. According to police, the car was later recovered, but they are still working to track down the person behind the wheel.
What Police Released
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the theft happened last Thursday in the 200 block of Canal Street when the suspect seen in the stills allegedly took a parked car and drove off. The department says the vehicle has since been recovered.
In the public post, NOPD urged anyone who recognizes the person in the images or has information about the incident to contact 8th District detectives. Police also reminded the public that “all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
How To Report Tips
Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 8th District detectives at 504-658-6080. Anonymous tips can be provided to CrimeStoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP. Those same tip lines are regularly cited by outlets such as WDSU when NOPD puts out public calls for help.
Auto Theft Investigations And Context
Per the New Orleans Police Department's operations manual (New Orleans Police Department), auto theft investigators must obtain a sworn affidavit from the vehicle owner and follow set procedures for handling evidence and property. Public appeals for surveillance images and eyewitness accounts are part of those investigative steps and show how heavily detectives rely on community tips to identify suspects and recover stolen vehicles.
The NOPD post also noted that questions or corrections about the release should be emailed to [email protected]. Police cautioned residents not to approach or confront anyone they believe to be the person in the images and instead to contact detectives or submit information anonymously through the listed channels.
