New Orleans police are asking the public for help tracking down a man they say is connected to an auto burglary and a string of thefts in the city's Eighth District. Police identified the man as Jay Anthony Kaizer.
Suspect Tied to Three September Crime Reports
According to the New Orleans Police Department, Kaizer is linked to three separate crime reports from September 2026 involving an auto burglary, the theft of a catalytic converter and the theft of two bicycles, per NOPD investigators. The reports were in the Eighth District.
Anyone with information on Kaizer's whereabouts is asked to contact Crimestoppers or the Eighth District at (504) 658-6080, per the NOPD bulletin. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Catalytic Converter Theft Carries Steep Penalties Under State Law
The catalytic converter theft tied to Kaizer falls under a Louisiana law enacted in 2022 to address this kind of crime. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:67.12, theft of a catalytic converter or engine control module is a distinct state crime carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $50,000 depending on the value of the property, according to the Louisiana Radio Network. The outlet reported that the legislation makes prosecution easier and discussed thieves selling converters in bulk.
Where the 8th District Station Sits
The Eighth District police station is at 334 Royal Street in the French Quarter, according to The Travel Fieldbook. It remains an open question for investigators whether Kaizer acted alone or as part of a larger scrap-metal theft operation targeting downtown parking areas, though NOPD has not said either way.
Part of a Broader Citywide Trend
A Hoodline report described a surge in catalytic-converter thefts in New Orleans. NOPD also reported in July 2026 that citywide violent crime, including homicides, nonfatal shootings, carjackings and armed robberies, fell by 70% compared with the first six months of 2022.
