NOPD officers have arrested one woman on gun and drug charges after she crashed her vehicle into a building today (Sept. 15) at the intersection of Esplanade Avenue and North Johnson Street.

The incident happened around 11:15 a.m. When officers arrived, they found a vehicle crashed into the Le Palms event hall at the location. Officers quickly detained the driver, Contessa Bernard (DOB: 4/4/1991). Inside the vehicle she was driving, officers found weapons, a small scale and a black mask.

Officers believe a second suspect, an unknown male, was riding in the vehicle with Bernard. Officers tried to detain the subject but he was seen running on North Johnson Street and then in an unknown direction. While running from the scene, officers observed the male suspect drop a backpack, which contained several firearms and drugs. The subject is wanted for illegal possession of a firearm, stolen property, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia and flight from an officer.

 All items from the scene can be seen in a photo below. No injuries were reported during the incident. 

A photo of Bernard and of the wanted subject taken from an officer’s body worn camera is below.

If anyone has any information regarding the wanted subject, please contact any First District detectives at 504-658-6010. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.  

Contessa Bernard (DOB: 4/4/1991)