NOPD Fifth District officers have a arrested a subject in the midst of committing a business burglary this morning (February 4, 2024).

At about 9:00 a.m. this morning, officers were called to a burglary in progress after a man was spotted on top of a business in the 1800 block of Almonaster Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers spotted the subject on the roof and set up a perimeter around the building. The New Orleans Fire Department was called and provided a ladder for officers to access the roof. They found several cut copper pipes, but could not find the suspect.

Soon after, officers accessed the inside of the building where they discovered the suspect hiding in the ceiling and took him into custody.

He is identified as Clarence Falkins (Black male, DOB: 7-24-1971). Falkins is charged with simple burglary, illegal possession of burglary tools and resisting arrest.

He was booked accordingly into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.

Anyone with additional information about this incident or this suspect is asked to contact Fifth District detectives at (504) 658-6050 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.