NOPD Sixth District detectives have arrested Stephen Smith (DOB: 11/3/97) and Michael Williams (DOB: 4/11/97) for three armed robberies that took place on January 7 and January 10, 2017.

On January 7, 2017, an armed robbery with a firearm occurred in the 700 block of Peniston Street at approximately 7:35 p.m.  The perpetrators were two unknown black males.  Approximately one hour later another armed robbery with a firearm occurred in the 900 block of Philip Street, also committed by two black males.  Then on January 10, 2017, at approximately 10:43 p.m., an armed robbery with a firearm in the 1200 block of General Pershing Street was committed by two black males.

Sixth District Detectives obtained surveillance footage from the area of the robberies that showed a black Kia Soul had been used in in all three robberies.  Detectives began concentrating their patrols in the area of the robberies in an attempt to locate the vehicle and perpetrators. 

On January 12, 2017, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Sixth District Detectives Michael Poluikis and Walter Edmond located the black Kia Soul and conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Magazine Street.  The two occupants, later identified as Stephen Smith and Michael Williams, were detained and ultimately identified as the perpetrators of all three armed robberies.  Detectives acquired additional video surveillance of the subjects after committing one of the robberies, and obtained a confession from one of the two participants. 

Both Stephen Smith and Michael Williams have been charged with armed robbery with a firearm for each incident.

If you have information about any of these incidents please contact Sixth District detectives at 504-658-6060. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP. 

Armed Robbery

In Louisiana, an armed robbery conviction requires the offender to be imprisoned at hard labor for 10 – 99 years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. When a firearm is used in the commission of the crime, the offender will be imprisoned for an additional 5 years that will be served consecutively to the original sentence.