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Uptown New Orleans Armed Robberies Spark Public Outcry

The otherwise quiet magazine corridor of Uptown New Orleans has recently become the victim of at least three robberies in popular restaurants. These restaurants are popular with both locals and tourists, and there has been an outcry in the city that something needs to be done about the recent spike in crime. In addition to these robberies, there was also a single armed robber responsible for stealing from a both adults and teenagers on the streets in the Milan area.

Diners Deprived During Dinner

On Thursday, August 20th, Uptown restaurant, Patois, was robbed by three armed robbers who made their way into the restaurant around 11:00 p.m. Reports say that one gunman put a gun to the owner’s head and ordered everyone to get on the ground. They then managed to empty the register, steal from patrons’ pockets and purses and swiped liquor from the bar.

One month later, on Thursday, September 23rd, Atchafalaya, one of the jewels of the Irish Channel neighborhood was robbed around 9:45p.m. at gunpoint by two men who demanded wallets and purses from employees and customers. These two gunmen actually kicked in the door after the manager went to lock it as soon as he saw two men wearing Velcro masks and dark hood sweatshirts approach his restaurant. The NOPD did not have evidence that the two robberies were related.

Finally, on September 27th, Monkey Hill, a popular Magazine Street bar, was robbed by three gunmen around 10:20p.m. Similarly to the other incidents, a masked gunman held up the bartender while two other men walked around inside demanding wallets and purses be put on the bar counter and then to get on the floor. The NOPD are still unable to connect all the incidents.

At the time of publication, the Subway restaurant on St. Charles Ave. and St. Andrew Street was also held up and robbed on Wednesday, September 30th. There is no evidence this robbery is linked to any of the others.

New Orleans Mayor Calls in Federal Backup

Due to heightened alarm as well as a lack of NOPD presence in the city, Mayor Mitch Landrieu has brought in federal investigators and serious federal charges if and when these robbers are caught. CrimeStoppers is pleading with the public offering a $30,000 reward for information in each of the three cases. Additionally, a private businessman and the Louisiana Restaurant Association are also offering reward money up to $15,000. It’s just a matter of time before these robbers are caught. NOPD Second District armed-robbery detectives supposedly have a solve rate of more than twice the national average.

Armed Teenager Arrested After Five Robberies in Milan Area

In addition to the restaurant robberies, a 16-year-old was arrested this past Friday, September 25th for a string of armed robberies on the Uptown streets in the Milan area. Mayor Landrieu held a press conference on Monday to announce the teen’s arrest and to offer comfort in the fact that the NOPD is working overtime to help solve the crimes of the restaurant robberies. (Milan is actually my neighborhood and I am very nervous about the increase of crime!)

Armed Robbery is a Serious Crime

Armed robbery offenses are considered aggravated robbery if the person is charged with robbery with a deadly weapon. If, in fact, these robbers who stole from the New Orleans Uptown restaurants have real guns, then their charges may include aggravated robbery given that they may have had a firearm or other deadly weapon during the robbery. Being charged with armed robbery is an extremely serious offense that carries with it a minimum jail sentence as well as very large fines. If you or someone you know has been charged with aggravated robbery or robbery with a deadly weapon, you should immediately consult with an experienced armed robbery lawyer in New Orleans. Regardless of whether you have committed a crime or not, you have rights and a criminal defense lawyer such as Crescent City Law will make it their purpose to protect your rights. Although you may be presented the option of a “free” public defender by the arresting officer, but I highly suggest that you look into your options to hire a private defense lawyer. Here are the benefits of hiring a private criminal defense attorney.

Call (504) 264-9492 for a Free Initial Consultation

Crescent City Law has years of experience defending those arrested in New Orleans for theft, assault, gun crimes and other robbery-related offenses. You can always get a free initial consultation by calling (504) 264-9492 or e-mailing us here if you have any questions or are in need of a defense lawyer today. We are available nights, weekends and off-site and also offer translators upon request.

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