On May 15, 2022, the NOPD arrested Austin Levalley (pictured, white male, DOB: 09-18-1983) in connection with an armed carjacking incident that occurred minutes prior at the intersection of Carondelet and Gravier streets.

At about 12:15 p.m. on May 15, NOPD Eighth District detectives observed a female subject holding onto the hood of automobile at the intersection of Poydras and Carondelet streets. Upon the detectives approaching the vehicle, which was in a lane of travel, the subject driving the vehicle – later identified as Levalley – fled from the vehicle and disregarded the detectives’ warnings to stop. After a brief foot pursuit, Levalley was apprehended.

In interviewing the female subject, she advised that as she was attempting to open her vehicle door at the intersection of Carondelet and Gravier streets, Levalley allegedly pushed his way into the vehicle while he had a handgun in his waistband. The victim said that she then jumped onto the hood of her vehicle and held onto the vehicle while Levalley drove approximately three blocks, before being stopped by police. The victim had no physical injuries, and officers recovered a firearm at the scene.

Levalley was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges including armed robbery with a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and resisting an officer. In addition, detectives learned that Levalley was also wanted for auto theft in an April 1 incident in the 400 block of Common Street and was additionally charged with theft of a motor vehicle.

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