The NOPD has obtained an arrest warrant for Ted Mitchell (no picture available, DOB: 05-24-1982) in the investigation of a violation of the state mandate restricting large gatherings of people amid the current COVID-19 public health crisis.

On March 28, 2020 around 4:30 p.m., Second District Task Force Officers responded to a call of a large gathering taking place in the 3000 block of Audubon Street. Upon arrival, officers observed a band playing and about 100 individuals attending a funeral repast at the location. Officers asked the event’s organizers to end the event, but the organizers refused. Officers observed this behavior as a flagrant violation of current state and local mandates regarding restrictions on public gatherings during the COVID-19 public health event.

Earlier in the investigation, Second District detectives arrested Cecil Spencer (DOB: 08-29-1981) in connection with the incident and issued Clifton Smith, identified as the leader of the band playing during the event,  a summons for the band’s participation in the event.

Through further investigation, detectives positively identified Mitchell as an additional organizer of the event and obtained a warrant for his arrest on a charge of violation of emergency declaration orders.

This incident remains under active investigation. As more individuals are identified, more arrests will follow.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Ted Mitchell is asked to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020.

Anyone who wants to report large gatherings or businesses operating against these rules is asked to call 3-1-1.