The NOPD has arrested four subjects – including three juveniles ages 16, 14, and 14– in its investigation of multiple armed carjacking incidents that occurred on May 8, 2026, in the Fifth District.

The three carjacking incidents found to be linked to these subjects include:

• An armed carjacking that occurred in the 2700 block of Abundance Street, in which three unknown black males allegedly carjacked the victim.
• An armed carjacking that occurred at the intersection of Edith Weston Place and Agriculture Street, in which two unknown black males allegedly carjacked the victim.
• An armed carjacking that occurred in the 4000 block of Johnny Jackson Boulevard, where the victim reported four unknown black male subjects committed the carjacking.

In each of these incidents the perpetrators allegedly ordered rideshare service to the respective location, at which time the perpetrators produced handguns and robbed the driver of their vehicle. Through investigation, NOPD detectives determined the three incidents to be connected.

During their investigation that same day, detectives with the NOPD’s Fifth District and Violent Crime Abatement and Investigative Team (VCAIT) identified two juveniles of interest in these incidents. Two of the three reported stolen vehicles were also located in the area. With the assistance of the NOPD’s Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP) Unit, the third vehicle was located in the 7700 block of Benson Street and found to be occupied by the two known juveniles. The suspects were detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the three are carjacking incidents.

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified on May 19, 2026, an adult male believed to be involved in the incidents. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the subject, identified as Ja’Maarion Banks (black male, DOB: 04-23-2007). Banks, who was found to be wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor system, was located at a residence in the 3800 block of Ursula Spencer Way by NOPD Fifth District, VCAIT and GRIP detectives. When requested to exit the residence, Banks refused to exit the residence and a SWAT roll was declared. Banks, was found to be inside the location with an unknown juvenile subject as well as with a handgun, eventually exited the residence. The unknown juvenile, who was also found to be wearing an ankle monitor at the time, was determined to be the fourth perpetrator in the carjacking incidents. Both individuals were subsequently arrested.

Banks was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on two counts of armed robbery, three counts of carjacking involving the recruitment of a juvenile, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and one count each of principle to armed robbery, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer and violation of electronic monitoring conditions.

One of the known juveniles was booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center with three counts of armed robbery and one count of possession of stolen property. Another was booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on three counts of armed robbery, while the remaining juvenile suspect was booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on two counts of armed robbery and one count of obstruction of justice.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact NOPD Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.