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WATCH: Violent Crime Trends Downward in the Eighth District as Officers Confiscate More Illegal Guns

by Ambria R. Washington

July 31, 2017

Categories: On Duty, Transparency, Videos

Topics: Eighth District, Good Police Work

The NOPD Eighth District has seen a 33 percent decrease in overall violent crime in the area which covers the French Quarter and Central Business District, including Harrah's Casino, Canal Place and Bourbon Street.

Currently, armed robberies are down 45 percent and simple robberies are down 42 percent in the district, compared to this time last year.

WATCH: Violent Crime Trends Downward in the Eighth District as Officers Confiscate More Illegal Guns

“This is due to the hard work being done by the officers of the Eighth District,” said Eighth District Commander Nick Gernon. “They are aggressive in identifying people carrying weapons illegally and are also working well with members of the community in the district to continue to make this a safe place for residents and visitors.”

This past weekend, Eighth District officers arrested three subjects for illegal possession of a firearm. Those arrested include Douglas Himes (DOB: 11-30-1990), Travon Taylor (DOB: 3-13-94) and Devante Williams (DOB: 10-25-1992). 

 

pic

Photo includes two handguns, magazines and ammunition confiscated during arrests

this weekend.

At about 2:23 a.m. on July 29, 2017, Eighth District officers responded to a call in the 400 block of Bourbon Street. The call was regarding a black male, later identified as Himes, who appeared to be intoxicated and carrying a concealed handgun. Once on scene, officers then noticed an outline on the subject's left rear pocket which appeared to be consistent with a firearm. The subject was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun and an additional magazine with a total of 19 live rounds of ammunition.

At about 2 a.m on July 29, 2017, officers observed a subject manipulating his waistband and clutching his right front hip in the 400 block of Bourbon Street. The subject, later identified as Taylor purposely moved to the opposite side of the street when he noticed the officers standing in the area. Taylor was observed attempting to conceal his right hip by shielding the area with his right hand. He was then observed increasing speed by walking as he observed the officers in his direction. Officers eventually approached him in the 500 block of Bourbon Street suspecting that the subject was concealing a gun. A search of suspect revealed a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun loaded with 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition. 

At about 1:45 a.m. on July 30, 2017, officers were patrolling in the 400 block of Bourbon Street. An officer observed an unknown black male, later identified as Williams, exiting the 400 block of Bourbon Street. An officer then observed a bulge protruding from the rear right hip of Williams under his shirt which resembled the butt of a handgun. The officer eventually began to walk behind Williams as he crossed the street to enter an establishment on Bourbon Street. Officers then entered the establishment, located Williams and performed a pat down on the subject where they felt the butt of a handgun located on the rear right hip of Williams. Officers retrieved the handgun from under Williams' shirt. 

Year to date, Eighth District officers have confiscated 103 illegal guns, in comparison to 95 guns confiscated this time last year.