Late Monday morning in St. Roch, what started as a routine workday turned into a gunpoint standoff. New Orleans police say two juveniles swiped tools from a worker's truck in the 2400 block of North Johnson Street, and when the victim tried to get his gear back, one of them pulled a handgun, racked the slide and pointed it at him.
The worker backed off and the pair took off before officers arrived. They were last seen heading toward the area of Elysian Fields Avenue and North Rocheblave Street.
Police release description and images
According to a Facebook post by the New Orleans Police Department, the confrontation happened at about 11:10 a.m. on Monday.
Investigators describe the suspects as two Black male juveniles, about 16 years old, both wearing backpacks. Police say one of the teens produced a small handgun, racked the slide and aimed it at the worker before both suspects fled the scene.
The department has released still images of the two and is asking the public to take a close look.
How to report tips
Officials are urging anyone with information to contact Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous can reach Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.
The same tip lines and guidance for reporting are outlined in the city's NOPD Fifth District materials and on the Crimestoppers website.
Local pattern of daytime robberies
The plea for help comes as the Fifth District has been dealing with a run of daytime robberies and street assaults this spring, a pattern that has not gone unnoticed. In one May case, a bicyclist was struck and robbed on Urquhart Street, and police have repeatedly asked neighbors to save doorbell or dash-cam footage that could help pick out suspects.
So far, no arrests have been announced in Monday's incident. Detectives say the investigation is active and are asking anyone who witnessed the confrontation or captured video of the suspects to preserve it and contact investigators. The post with photos and case details remains live on the department's Facebook page for residents who want a closer look.
