(map via NOPD)
The robbery took place in the 4800 block of Dryades Street on July 28 at around 11 p.m., Sgt. Jennifer Dupree said at this week’s meeting of ranking Second District officers. Two men armed with guns “bum rushed” a small party that was taking place at the residence, demanding narcotics and cash and taking wallets and cell phones from everyone that was in the house, Dupree said.
Rico Thompson, 27, was arrested the night of the incident after police tracked one of the stolen cell phones, Dupree said.
Police are still investigating the identity of the other suspect involved and have gone back to the house to get more information and video, Dupree said. Dupree said police hope to have more on the case soon.
“It’s going to pan out to be a lot,” Dupree said.
In an unrelated cases, the Second District police received four shoplifting reports that occurred on the same day.
On July 28, the Circle K gas station located in the 3700 block of S. Carrollton was the scene of two separate shopliftings, according to Lt. Doug Eckert. The first incident at the location took place at around 7:30 a.m. and the second took place at around 8: 50 a.m.
Two other shopliftings were reported the same day at a Dollar General in the 8200 block of Earhart and also at a Discount Mart gas station in the 4100 block of S. Claiborne, Eckert said. The shoplifting at the Discount Mart occurred at around 1 a.m. while the shoplifting at the Dollar General occurred at around 3 p.m.
Items stolen from the business included beer, soap, detergent and linens, Eckert said. Police do not believe that any of the shopliftings were committed by the same suspects, he said.
“The just happened all in one day. Nothing related,” Eckert said.
Commander Paul Noel said he is extremely pleased with the Second District police crime statistics for the year. The Second District has received only 17 more crimes so far this year than at the same point in 2013, when the numbers were already at a record low in major categories.
“Crime-wise we are by far the best district in the city,” Noel said.
Noel acknowledged the narcotics division of the Second District police headed by Sgt. John O’Brien had a great week and played a big part in the crime statistics. O’Brien’s unit made 55 arrests between this week and last week, he said.
“Y’all really had a great week. Y’all really did a great job. Y’all hit it hard and I appreciate it,” Noel said.
The solve rate for armed robberies and shootings remains above 40 percent, Noel said. Noel encouraged all of the Second District officers present at the weekly crime to continue the good work.
“I think we are all pushing in the right direction,” Noel said. “It takes a full, honest effort every single day. Let’s just keep pushing.”
