NOPD Seventh District officers arrested Jose Avila-Garcia (DOB: 3/20/1977) after he was seen discharging a firearm and in possession of a stolen semi-automatic handgun and 36 bags of meth.

On September 9, 2017, Seventh District Night Watch officers responded to a call involving a subject discharging a firearm in the 4900 block of Michoud Boulevard. Once officers arrived on scene, they observed Garcia in possession of a handgun. Garcia disregarded verbal commands made by officers and started fleeing the area on foot.

Officers then gave chase and were able apprehended Garcia a short distance later. Through the course of the investigation, Garcia was then found to be in possession of a stolen Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun and 36 packets of a white powdered substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

He was arrested and booked for illegal discharge of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession with intent to distribute meth, illegal carrying of a firearm with CDS and flight from an officer.

If you have additional information on this arrested subject, please contact any Seventh District detective at 504-658-6070. Citizens with information that can help solve a crime are asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.