A man riding a bicycle grabbed a woman’s purse during a predawn confrontation near Elysian Fields Avenue and Marais Street, then pulled a gun on bystanders who tried to intervene before pedaling off into the dark. New Orleans police are still searching for him weeks later, and they’ve released surveillance footage and a detailed physical description in hopes that someone recognizes him.
The robbery happened around 3 a.m. on July 23, according to WGNO, which reported that police said the suspect stole a woman’s purse near Elysian Fields. Additional detail from NOPD News describes a man on a bicycle confronting pedestrians, scuffling with a woman before grabbing her purse, then pointing a firearm at people who stepped in to help. He fled west on Marais Street, and security camera footage from the scene helped detectives piece together his escape route.
Police describe the suspect as a Black male between 25 and 35 years old, roughly 5 feet 7 inches tall with a medium build and dark complexion, wearing short braids or twists. At the time of the robbery, he had on a transparent orange rain poncho over a black shirt — a distinctive combination investigators are hoping the public remembers.
Fifth District Detectives Ask Public For Tips
Investigators with NOPD’s Fifth District are leading the search and are asking anyone with information to call (504) 658-6050. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can instead contact Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111, which offers cash rewards for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment…