Officers with NOPD's First District, with assistance from the NOPD's Violent Crime Abatement Investigative Team (VCAIT) and officers with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) have arrested two men in connection with a weapons and drug investigation.

On October 3, 2023, officers conducted a narcotics investigation at the intersection of Ulloa and South Pierce Streets in response to recent narcotics-related gun violence in the area.

Arrested were: Lionel Hester, black male DOB: 05-11-1999 and Samuel Myles, black male DOB: 03/24/2002.

Lionel Hester was charged with the following: Felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and resisting an officer.

Samuel Myles was charged with the following: three counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and resisting an officer.

Anyone with additional information about these suspects is urged to contact First District officers at (504) 658-6010 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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