On January 5, 2017, the NOPD arrested Raphael Meyers (DOB: 12-06-1988) in connection with a purse snatching and battery incident that occurred on December 27, 2017 in the 400 block of Mandeville Street.

The victim told police that at about 8:10 p.m., she was standing by her vehicle in the area when a white pickup truck proceeded towards her location. The victim said that the pickup truck traveled close to her person, at which time the rear driver’s door opened up and an unknown male leaned out of the vehicle, grabbing the victim by both arms and attempting to pull her inside of the vehicle. The victim added that the driver of the pickup began to drive the vehicle forward, causing the victim to be dragged several feet because the perpetrator would not let go of her arms. The perpetrator finally wrestled the victim’s purse from her and let go of her arms. The victim stated this caused her to violently slam to the ground as the vehicle fled the scene. The victim suffered significant injuries in this incident.

As investigation into the incident progressed, Fifth District detectives were able to develop and positively identify Meyers as the perpetrator who attempted to pull the victim into the truck. Meyers was later located and arrested.

Meyers was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges of purse snatching and second degree battery in connection with this incident. In addition, Meyers was arrested for violation of probation and on three fugitive warrants out of Gretna, La.

Anyone with additional information on 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.