Louisiana Man Arrested for Armed Carjacking After Victim Seen Holding Onto Hood of Vehicle

Louisiana - The New Orleans Police Department arrested Austin Levalley, 38 of New Orleans, LA, on May 15, 2022, in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred minutes earlier at the intersection of Carondelet and Gravier streets.

On May 15, around 12:15 p.m., NOPD Eighth District detectives noticed a female subject holding onto the hood of a car at the intersection of Poydras and Carondelet streets. When the detectives approached the vehicle, which was in a traffic lane, the driver – later identified as Levalley – fled from the vehicle and ignored the detectives' warnings to stop. Levalley was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.

During the interview, the female subject stated that while she was attempting to open her vehicle door at the intersection of Carondelet and Gravier streets, Levalley allegedly pushed his way into the vehicle while carrying a handgun in his waistband. The victim stated that she then jumped onto the hood of her vehicle and held on for approximately three blocks before being stopped by police. Officers recovered a firearm at the scene after the victim sustained no physical injuries.

Levalley was arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges of armed robbery with a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon, reckless driving, and resisting an officer. Furthermore, detectives discovered that Levalley was wanted for auto theft in an April 1 incident in the 400 block of Common Street, as well as theft of a motor vehicle.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call New Orleans Police Department's Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Featured image source: NOPD