NOPD Fourth District detectives today (Oct. 20) arrested Tevis Hankerson (DOB: 02-28-1998) in connection with a simple burglary earlier in the day involving possession of a firearm in the 2900 block of Chelsea Drive.

At about 2 a.m. a male suspect later identified as Hankerson was observed pulling on door handles in the area of Chelsea and Handbury drives. When stopped by police, Hankerson was found to be in possession of a navy blue Holy Cross backpack containing a 9-mm handgun and various articles of clothing. The handgun was found to have been reported stolen earlier in the day and the additional items are believed to have been taken in separate auto burglaries.

Hankerson was booked into Central Lockup on charges including illegal carrying of a firearm, violation of a protective order by possession of firearm, simple burglary of a vehicle and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.

Auto Burglary

Vehicle burglaries are largely avoidable. Here are some tips on how to avoid car break-ins and thefts:

1. Lock the doors

2. Close windows and sunroofs

3. Don’t leave valuables such as laptops, cell phones, wallets, purses or GPS devices in plain view

4. Put away the garage door opener and any items with personal information

5. Move valuables to the trunk before reaching your destination

6. Don’t leave keys in the vehicle

Anyone with information regarding burglaries possibly related to this incident is asked to contact Fourth District detectives at 504-658-6040. 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.