he NOPD has obtained an arrest warrant for Garrett James Ward (DOB: 06-26-1992) in connection with the homicide of Arnold Jackson that occurred in the 2000 block of St. Charles Avenue on January 6, 2018.

At about 1:33 a.m., Sixth District officers responded to a call of a simple battery at the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Josephine Street, later found to have occurred in the 2000 block of St. Charles Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were flagged down by several individuals on the street, stating that the offender of the battery was located inside of an elevated parking lot. According to witness statements, the suspect punched and kicked the victim several times before fleeing toward the upper level of the parking lot

Officers reportedly observed the suspect, later identified as Ward, to be highly intoxicated and relocated Ward down the stairs, where he was detained for suspicion of battery. Ward was then taken into custody and the victim, later identified as Jackson, was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries.

Ward was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for second degree battery. Ward was later released after a court appearance.

On January 18, Jackson died from his injuries. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office classified the death to be a homicide based on the injuries sustained, at which time the investigation was handed to the NOPD Homicide Division. An arrest warrant was then obtained for Ward on a count of second degree murder.

Ward is believed to reside in Baton Rouge, La.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Garrett James Ward is asked to contact NOPD Homicide Detective Nicholas Williams at 504-658-5300. 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.