The NOPD’s Violent Offender Warrant Squad and the U.S. Marshals today (January 12, 2022) arrested Alvin D. Thomas (pictured, black male, DOB: 07-04-1998) in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on December 11, 2021 in the 3300 block of Saint Claude Avenue.

At about 6:17 p.m. on December 11, NOPD Fifth District officers responded to a call of an aggravated battery by shooting in the area. Detectives learned that the male victim and his wife were reportedly driving in the area when they heard a popping sound. The victim’s vehicle then crashed into a pole and the victim’s wife realized the victim had been struck by gunfire. The victim was transported via EMS to a local hospital, where he later was declared deceased on December 15. The victim’s death was later ruled by the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office to be a homicide, at which time the NOPD’s Homicide Unit assumed control of the investigation.

On December 17, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 38-year-old Randall Matthews.

As the investigation progressed, NOPD Homicide Unit detectives developed and positively identified Thomas as the perpetrator in this incident. On December 23, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Thomas on one count of second-degree murder.

With the assistance of a tip received through Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, NOPD VOWS and U.S. Marshals located Thomas today in the 14000 block of Hayne Boulevard and arrested him without incident. He was booked accordingly into the Orleans Parish Justice Center.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Homicide Unit Det. Nicole Alcala at 504-658-5300.