NEW ORLEANS – NOPD Sixth District officers arrested Mark Rayfield (DOB: 2-2-1988) on Wednesday (Sept. 28) after the Multi-Agency Gang (MAG) Unit received information that he was armed in the area of Thalia and Simon Bolivar Streets.
Around 3 p.m., members of the MAG Unit received information regarding an armed subject near Thalia and Simon Bolivar streets. The unit notified NOPD's Sixth District and two of the district’s general assignment officers – Harold Nunnery and Charles Haw – responded to the area and located an individual who matched the description of the armed perpetrator.
When officers approached the suspect, later identified as Rayfield, he began to run while holding his waistband in a manner consistent with that of an armed individual. Officers pursued the suspect, quickly apprehending him and recovering a loaded semiautomatic handgun.
Rayfield was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as violating the terms of his probation. Rayfield was on probation for narcotics in both state and federal court.
Central City community partners with police to keep neighborhood safe
NOPD received the tip just days after Superintendent Michael Harrison and Sixth District officers met with Central City residents to talk about ways to prevent and solve recent violent crimes reported in the neighborhood.
“This arrest happened because of the strong relationship that our officers have with the Central City community,” said Sixth District Commander Ronnie Stevens. “I want to thank the residents for trusting us and for stepping up to provide us with the information we needed to stop this individual from committing violent crime. We will continue to use every resource we have, including our citizens, to make our neighborhoods safe.”
Read more: 'Central City residents often feel like they stand alone. Not this time': Editorial
NOPD Sixth District detectives are in charge of the on-going investigation and can be reached at 504-658-6060. Citizens with information that can help solve crimes are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP