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NOPD Arrests Suspect in Multiple Offenses in First District

by Aaron E. Looney

December 29, 2017

Categories: On Duty

Topics: First District, Good Police Work, Partnerships

NOPD Arrests Suspect in Multiple Offenses in First District

Members of the NOPD’s Violent Offenders Warrant Squad and Gretna Police arrested Leshawn Watson (DOB: 10-20-1994) on December 29, 2017, who was wanted by NOPD for numerous offenses.

 

During investigation by First District detectives into an armed robbery that occurred in the 2900 block of Esplanade Avenue on November 26, 2017, the victim told police that at about 8:40 p.m., he was walking back to his vehicle in the area, where his wife and daughter were waiting. The victim said that as he opened the door to enter the vehicle, he was reportedly struck in the back of the head with an unknown object. The victim said he then turned around and saw a black male pointing a pistol at him and demanding money. The victim complied, giving him cash. The suspect then reportedly demanded additional money and the victim’s phone, to which the victim said he refused. The suspect then reportedly fled on Esplanade Avenue toward North Broad Street.

As investigation into the incident progressed, investigators were able to develop Watson as a suspect. In addition, further investigation led detectives to determine Watson to be the perpetrator in additional incidents in the First District.

During the investigation, First District investigators received a tip that Watson was located at a residence in Gretna, La. NOPD VOWS officers and Gretna Police successfully located Watson, who attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. Watson was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center for armed robbery in connection with the November incident.

In addition to this incident, Watson was also arrested on nine additional NOPD warrants, stemming from the aforementioned additional incidents. Among these include three counts each of armed robbery and attempted armed robbery and one count each of attempted simple robbery, simple burglary and theft. Watson was also arrested on charges out of Jefferson Parish.

Anyone with additional information on these incidents is asked to contact First District detectives at 504-658-6010. 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.