Officers in the Seventh District arrested Joseph Jackson (DOB: 08-21-1993) and Tajuan McKnight (DOB: 7/5/1999) on Wednesday for possession of a stolen vehicle, illegal carrying of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

At approximately 12 p.m., Seventh District Officers were driving near the intersection of Read Boulevard and Morrison Road when they observed a vehicle disregard a red light. As the officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle for the observed violation, the driver failed to stop. As the officers were still traveling behind the vehicle attempting to stop the vehicle, they observed the passenger in the vehicle handling a rifle. 

Officers then lost sight of the vehicle near the 7000 block of Martin Drive but continued searching for the vehicle and its occupants who were now known to be in possession of a rifle. Officers quickly spotted the vehicle and observed McKnight attempting to distance himself from the vehicle but were quickly able to apprehend him without further incident. Officers then approached the vehicle and observed Jackson exiting with a backpack and attempting to hide behind the vehicle. Officers were also able to safely apprehend Jackson without further incident.

Officers on scene learned that the vehicle occupied by Jackson and McKnight was reported stolen at the beginning of the month in the Sixth District.

As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and the bag where officers located two bags of marijuana, two 40 caliber firearms and one AK-47 rifle. 

All items can be seen in the picture above.

Both McKnight and Jackson were arrested and booked accordingly.

Anyone with any additional information should contact any Seventh District Officer at 504-658-6070. Citizens with information that can help solve a crime are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.