NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans police are searching for the man they say pushed an 80-year-old woman to the ground and stole her car.
According to the NOPD, the woman got out of her running vehicle to move a garbage can in front of her home in the 1700 block of Mazant. When she was walking back toward her car, that’s when the car thief made his move. It happened around 6:30 Friday evening. Bruce Davenport, Jr. lives down the street.
“I’m terrified to come outside,” Davenport said. “I don’t like these little youngsters. I see a juvenile; I just get out of his way. I move out of his way.”
Police released home security video showing a vehicle dropping the suspect off at the corner of Mazant and North Roman Streets. The suspect, who was wearing all red clothing walked toward the victim’s home. The robbery happens just out of frame. Cherice Harrison Nelson lives around the corner.
“We’re living in a terrorist state almost,” Nelson said. “Not just because of the people perpetuating these crimes because they’re desperate, but also the lack of opportunity for young people.”
The video shows the suspect driving the victim’s 2013 gray Nissan down Mazant. The vehicle that dropped off the man made a U-turn and followed the stolen car. Harrison Nelson says the perpetuation of undereducated children in the city has resulted in an explosion in this kind of crime.
“Their hopes stolen, their dreams stolen, their right to a good education stolen and they feel they have nothing else to do, but to take cars and take property. That’s sad.”
The victim’s daughter said the car thief did not produce a weapon, but overpowered her mother. The young man also took off with her purse and her cellphone. The daughter also said her mother is doing okay and staying with a family member.
Police are asking for help locating the woman’s vehicle. It is a gray 2013 Nissan Sentra, Louisiana plate YCH-132.
Anyone with information can contact Fifth District Detectives at 504-658-6050 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 822-1111, toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP (7867).
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