The NOPD is investigating an auto theft that occurred on Monday, (May 14) on Painters Street.

The victim told police she parked her 2016 black Jeep Patriot in front of her mother’s residence, located in the 6000 block of Painters Street. The victim left her 9-month-old son asleep in the back of her vehicle, with the engine running, while she brought her other son inside the residence to use the bathroom. While sitting inside the residence waiting for her son to finish in the bathroom, the victim’s mother alerted her that an unknown black male subject was driving away in her vehicle.

The victim exited the residence and observed the vehicle traveling southbound on Painters Street and then took a left on Prentiss Avenue, heading toward Franklin Avenue. The victim was able to catch up to the vehicle in the 5100 block of Venus Drive, where the subject allegedly exited the Jeep and placed the car seat with the 9-month-old child in it on the front lawn of a residence, along with the victim’s purse and a pink stripped bag. The driver then re-entered the vehicle and fled the location. The stolen vehicle has “Jeep Thing” across the top of the front windshield.

The perpetrator is described as 5’6 tall, 150 pounds, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and gray shorts.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to call Third District detectives at 504-658-6030. 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.