The NOPD is seeking assistance in identifying and locating a subject believed to be a person of interest in the investigation of an arson incident that occurred on January 19, 2026, in the Fifth District.

At about 1:48 a.m., NOPD Fifth District officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 700 block of Montegut Street.  On arrival, officers found a vehicle to be on fire. Officers then responded to reports of two additional vehicles on fire and a structure fire all in the 3100 block of Dauphine Street. Not long after that, officers then responded to a report of three more vehicles on fire in the 800 block of Desire Street.  Lastly officers located a seventh vehicle on fire in the 900 block of Desire Street. The New Orleans Fire Department also responded to the scene, along with its arson investigator. No injuries were reported.

The New Orleans Police Department was able to obtain surveillance video footage of a person of interest in this incident. This subject is not currently wanted on criminal charges. However, detectives feel the subject may have knowledge of information vital to the investigation and seek to interview the subject.

The video can be viewed at the following links: Video 1, Video 2.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact NOPD Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050 or NOFD arson investigators at 504-658-4700. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP. Tips can also be submitted online by visiting https://www.crimestoppersgno.org.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.