The third and final suspect wanted for his involvement in a group that fired gunshots at police in the Fifth District this week is now in custody. 

NOPD officers, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, tracked down and arrested Christopher Thomas (DOB: 7-4-1980) Friday (Dec. 2) at a residence in the 2500 block of Lavender Street. Thomas was booked into Central Lock-Up on multiple charges, including attempted first degree murder.

It all stemmed from an incident on November 30. Around 12:30 p.m., officers with NOPD’s TIGER (Tactical Intelligence Gathering and Enforcement Response) Unit were in the area on proactive patrol when they noticed a white Ford Expedition SUV driving erratically along Annette Street. The officers followed the vehicle to the intersection of Annette and Law, where the vehicle pulled off to the side of the road. As the officers approached in their vehicle, at least three suspects exited the SUV and at least one of them fired gunshots at the officers before running off. No officers were injured in the incident, and no officers returned fire.

Officers immediately set up a perimeter in the area with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, in search of the suspects. Their efforts led to the discovery and arrest of Keith Craig (DOB 10-14-1972) and Harold Mitchell (10-08-1074). Officers also recovered a handgun during their search.

The investigation is on-going.