NOPD plainclothes detectives on foot patrol on St. Louis Street captured a pickpocket who took a man’s wallet last night (Dec. 5).

The victim reported that at approximately 10:45 p.m., Chawn Desilva (DOB: 7/11/1975) took his wallet from the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt and fled the scene. The victim chased the perpetrator and called for help from passersby. Detectives in the area heard the man calling for help and observed an unknown black male running from the 800 block of St. Louis Street onto Dauphine Street. He was being chased by an unknown white male.

The Detectives began following the two unknown males and observed the white male fall to the ground, stating that the black male had taken his wallet. Detectives continued to follow the black male before apprehending him in a parking lot in the 1000 block of Conti. The victim’s wallet was on the ground next to the suspect.

Detectives relocated the suspect to the intersection of Dauphine and St. Louis streets to locate the victim, who identified Desilva as the man who took his wallet.

Desilva was taken to Central Lockup and booked for theft by pickpocket. 

If you have information regarding this incident please contact any Eighth District detective at 504-658-6080. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.