The NOPD today (June 6, 2017) arrested Michael Neville (DOB: 11-17-1993) on drug and gun possession charges.

At about 2:52 a.m., Eighth District officers noticed an individual – later identified as Neville –  riding his bicycle on the sidewalk in the 700 block of Canal Street, heading toward Royal Street, and making an illegal turn onto Royal Street while on the sidewalk. Officers then observed Neville stop in the 100 block of Royal Street and make a hand-to-hand transaction with two unknown black males. The officers initiated a traffic stop and attempted to speak with Neville, who fled the scene on his bicycle on Royal Street. Officers pursued Neville on foot, while the other two men fled the scene.

Just before 3 a.m., fellow NOPD officers and a Louisiana State Police trooper located Neville in a parking lot in the 800 block of St. Ann Street. Neville was taken into custody and was observed throwing a small plastic bag from his hand to the ground. Officers retrieved the bag, which contained eight pieces of individually wrapped white rock-like substances. A test of the substances at the scene resulted in a positive match for crack cocaine. While searching the area, officers discovered Neville’s bicycle as well as a loaded pistol next to the bicycle. A search of Neville also uncovered cash believed to have come from the sale of illicit drugs.

Neville was arrested and transported to Central Lockup, where he was booked on charges of possession of crack cocaine, illegal carrying of a weapon while in possession of narcotics and resisting an officer.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080. 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.