After a multi-agency investigation, Edwin Smith (DOB: 09-23-1984) was arrested on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 after running a chop shop along the 16000 block of Chef Menteur Highway.
Smith was wanted for multiple counts of possession of stolen property while operating an auto theft chop shop at 16538 Chef Menteur Hwy. Seventh District detectives, NOPD auto theft detectives and agents from the United States Postal Service worked together on a joint investigation after the arrested subject was found to be in possession of a USPS tow truck.
As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered a secondary location on Bass St. that contained other stolen property, automotive parts and VIN numbers.
NOPD detectives and federal agents conducted surveillance, located Smith and took him into custody at around 7:45 p.m. Smith was booked on eleven (11) separate warrants for possession of stolen property.
Anyone with any additional information regarding the incident or arrested subject, please contact any Seventh District detective at 504-658-6070 or Crimestoppers at 822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP (7867).