Crime update 3.31.07

Robber arrested...

Armed robber arrested: A suspect has been arrested in a bold armed robbery at noon on Saturday, 3.31.07. According to the NOPD and the victim's family, the robbery occurred as the victim and his wife were returning home from voting at the polls to the 1000 block of St. Philip Street. After the victim backed his car into the driveway and before the electronic gate fully closed, the perpetrator grabbed the gate and forced his way inside. He grabbed the victim, forced him to the ground at knife-point and took his wallet. The victim's screams alerted his wife, who was already in the house, and his grown son, both of whom came to the door and scared the perpetrator off with their shouts. The perpetrator got in his car and fled toward Burgundy Street. A neighbor, alerted by the victim's family's shouts, followed the perpetrator into the Ninth Ward where NOPD officers apprehended the suspect.

According to the 8th District, the captive--who was positively identified by the victim--is also suspected of similar robberies in several other NOPD districts. He is in custody and is being investigated in connection with the other robberies.

Ironically--or coincidentally--the victim and his wife were also the victims of an armed robbery in January at Bourbon and Gov. Nicholls streets. The perpetrators in that robbery and several other incidents in the French Quarter were later arrested.

How this robbery could have been avoided is hard to imagine. But it does highlight the importance of being vigilant at any time of the day at any place you are, no matter how safe it might otherwise seem.

***

As always, your comments and suggests are welcome.

Thom Kahler