Some arrested, some let go

It's not just the kids: Plagued like we've been by young punks holding us up, 8th District csops arrested an old codger yesterday (6.10.08) morning. A white man was walking at the corner of Carondelet and Gravier streets at 12:40 a.m. when he was attacked from behind by a knife-wielding black man who demanded his wallet. The victim refused and struggled with his assailant who fled on foot.

A short while later, policed arrested James Brown Jr., 53, and charged him with armed robbery and aggravated battery. He's being held in OPP on $125,000 bond. He was convicted in 1998 as a 2-time loser and might being going away for a long time if convicted on these charges.

Young dudes this time: Police are searching for 2 young black dudes in their 20s who robbed a Hispanic man yesterday (6.10.08) morning at 4:30 a.m. as he was walking in the 800 block of Tchoupitoulas Street. One of the robbers held the victim at gunpoint while his accomplice extricated the victim's wallet from his pocket.

One of the robbers was described as 6' tall, weighing 180 pounds, with dreadlocks, wearing a white T-shirt, black jeans and a white cap. The other was 5'7" tall, weighing 145 pounds, with a short haircut.

Not too often, but: Bicycle thieves are caught every now and then. In a belated report, Officers Tracie Medus and Patrick Ohern on 5.26.08 at 1:35 p.m. arrested Shawn Cosse, a 27-year-old black man for trying to steal a bicycle at Bienville and Royal streets.

He was charged with attempted theft and simple criminal damage under $500. He's sitting in OPP, unable to post $3,500 bond.

And others go free: DA Keva Landrum-Johnson (she who wants to be a judge!) refused to prosecute the case against Gregory Hughes, a 35-year-old black dude, who was arrested 4.9.08 for robbing a white guy at gun-point on 3.2.08 at 11:25 p.m. in the notorious 500 block of Burgundy Street (between St. Louis and Toulouse streets).

He managed to post $100,000 bond and get out of OPP before KLJ freed him on 5.12.08, despite a positive identification by the victim. You sure you want this kind of woman as a judge? You've got to be crazy!

And another: KLJ also decided on 5.23.08 not to prosecute James Fulford, 44, for pickpocketing near The Famous Door on 4.27.08 at 1:20 a.m.

He had been arrested by Lt. Charles Little and Sgt. Patrick Baxter of the 8th District's "Bourbon Promenade" and charged with theft and possession of stolen property.

* * *

As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome at NOcrimeline@gmail.com.

Thom Kahler