The NOPD is seeking to locate Melody Gillard (DOB: 03-08-1984), who has been identified as a person of interest in a criminal damage to property incident that occurred on November 22, 2016 in the 1400 block of Milton Street.

At about 6:45 a.m., an NOPD detective working an off-duty detail in the Columbia Park by the Bayou apartment complex was flagged down by a male resident. The resident told the detective that on the previous evening, November 21, he received several text messages from a friend – later identified as Gilliard – asking if she could come to his residence to gather her belongings. During the text exchange, the resident fell asleep. When he awoke the next morning on November 22, he exited his residence to find a picture frame he had left at Gilliard’s residence broken in several pieces. He also discovered damage to his white 2016 Nissan Maxima, with lines made of an unknown substance, as well as damage to his back door consistent with someone kicking it. The victim also found numerous red glass plates he said he had left at Gillard’s residence shattered on his front porch.

The NOPD believes that Gillard may have valuable information concerning this incident and would like to speak with her. Gilliard is not wanted as a suspect in this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this person of interest or this incident is asked to contact Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.