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NOPD Identifies Suspect Wanted for Running Chop Shop on Chef Menteur Highway

by Ambria R. Washington

July 21, 2017

Categories: Be on the Lookout

Topics: Burglary/Theft, Seventh District

NOPD Identifies Suspect Wanted for Running Chop Shop on Chef Menteur Highway

The NOPD is searching for Edwin J. Smith (DOB: 9/23/1984) for reportedly operating a chop shop and possessing multiple stolen vehicles on Chef Menteur Highway.

Seventh District detectives, NOPD Auto Theft Division and Investigators from the USPS executed a search warrant at 16538 Chef Menteur Highway on June 29, 2017. Through the course of the investigation, the above subject was identified and found to be operating a chop shop on the premises, which contained large amounts of stolen vehicles and property including a stolen Postal Service tow truck

 A second search warrant was executed on Smith's residence in the 8000 block of Bass Street where additional stolen property was recovered. The pickup truck seen in the above photo is the last known vehicle to be driven by the Smith.

The subject is currently wanted for multiple felonies including nine counts of possessing stolen things and one count of theft of utility services.

This investigation is ongoing as seized property is identified.

If you know the whereabouts of Edwin J. Smith or have additional information on this operation, please contact any Seventh District detective at 504-658-6070 or anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll free at 1-877-903-7867.