The NOPD has arrested Denzel Lee (DOB: 07-08-1990) and Winston Williams (DOB: 06-03-1993) on gun and drug possession charges in connection with an incident that occurred on February 6, 2018.

At about 7:14 p.m., Second District detectives were actively searching for a subject who had reportedly fled from fellow detectives in the 4500 block of Eden Street. While two detectives were traveling southbound on South Gayoso Street, they observed near Eve Street an unknown subject matching the description of the subject who earlier fled from detectives – an unknown black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark sweatpants. The subject fled on foot.

While at the location, the detectives also found a white sedan parked at the corner of South Gayoso and Eve streets with two unknown black males sitting in the front seats. The two males told officers they were visiting their grandfather’s house in the area and did not have identification.

As the detectives approached the vehicle, noticing a loaded firearm in between the legs of the driver – later identified as Lee – on the driver’s side floorboard. The detectives ordered Lee and the passenger, identified as Williams to exit the vehicle. As Williams exited the car and was placed in handcuffs, he told detectives that he had a loaded handgun in his waistband. Both Lee and Williams were placed under arrest.

A search of the vehicle revealed a green backpack containing a loaded handgun, leafy vegetable matter which tested positive as marijuana, three individually wrapped bags of an off-white powdery substance which later tested positive as heroin, a digital scale and other items typically used in the packaging and distribution of illegal narcotics.

In addition, a pat-down search of Williams revealed he was in possession of various denominations of U.S. currency. Further investigation showed that 10 of the $100 bills confiscated were deemed to be counterfeit currency, with motion picture labels printed on the bills.

Two of the confiscated handguns in this incident were discovered to be reported stolen out of Orleans and Jefferson parishes, respectively. Additionally, Williams was found to have a prior conviction for illegal possession of a stolen firearm, while Lee was found to have a prior conviction of aggravated battery.

Lee was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of a stolen firearm and on an active warrant out of Jefferson Parish.

Williams was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for possession of drug paraphernalia, monetary instrument abuse, illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute and two counts of possession of a stolen firearm.

Anyone with additional information on this incident, including the suspect still at large, is asked to contact Second District detectives at 504-658-6020.