New Orleans police are asking for the public’s help finding 50-year-old Dennis Joseph Scarborough, born Nov. 1, 1973, who investigators say is wanted in connection with an armed robbery in the Fifth District. Officers say a gun was displayed and a victim was robbed of a cellphone and sunglasses near Elysian Fields earlier this month.
The department shared photos and case details in an armed robbery alert, saying the holdup happened around 3 a.m. on July 3 near Elysian Fields Avenue and North Derbigny Street. According to that post, a man demanded the victim’s belongings, displayed a firearm, then ran from the scene after taking the victim’s cellphone and sunglasses.
NOPD has identified the person wanted in the investigation as Dennis Joseph Scarborough (Black male, DOB: Nov. 1, 1973) and says detectives believe he frequents the area around Elysian Fields and North Claiborne Avenue. Anyone with information is asked to call Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050, according to the City of New Orleans, or to contact Crime Stoppers GNO online or by phone.
Where Investigators Are Focusing
Detectives say the suspect was last seen running from the scene and have asked residents and businesses nearby to review any surveillance footage that might have captured the incident or the suspect’s movements. Local crime monitors note that while armed robberies continue to crop up in commercial areas, overall violent crime in New Orleans has trended downward this year, according to the Metropolitan Crime Commission.
How To Report Tips
Anyone who recognizes Scarborough or who saw anything connected to the early July robbery is urged to call Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050 or Crime Stoppers at 504-822-1111, or toll free at 1-877-903-STOP. Anonymous tips can also be sent in through Crime Stoppers GNO, which notes that callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.
The department also reminded the public that “all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” and that detectives are continuing to investigate the case, according to the NOPD’s post about the case. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call law enforcement rather than approach the suspect directly.
