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Two Arrested and 16 Vehicles Valued at $300k Recovered in Louisiana Thanks to Crimestoppers Tip

New Orleans, Louisiana – Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported on November 30, 2022, that in October 2022, the LSP Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO) received a Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans tip about several stolen vehicles being stored in an abandoned apartment complex in an Algiers neighborhood.

Detectives began investigating the tip and retrieved eight stolen automobiles from the abandoned apartment complex. During the initial inquiry, officers discovered that several people were living in the abandoned apartments without the property owner’s consent. Detectives were able to identify 40-year-old David Darby of Texas as a person of interest using investigative methods.

Detectives continued their investigation, and on November 22, 2022, Darby was seen driving a Ford F-250 pickup truck in the apartment complex with a passenger, 41-year-old Haley Smith of New Orleans, Louisiana. During a traffic encounter with Darby, investigators discovered damage to the Ford’s steering column and were able to confirm it had been stolen in the New Orleans region. In addition, a semi-automatic weapon with an obliterated serial number was discovered in the stolen Ford.

As part of the investigation, officers discovered an additional eight stolen vehicles, including two travel homes, in the same apartment complex on the same date. Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for Smith’s apartment. Two rifles, a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, and more stolen property belonging to the owner of one of the travel trailers were discovered in that apartment. The 9mm handgun was later discovered to have been stolen.

Darby was linked to the theft of a restored classic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle and a fully enclosed trailer during the inquiry. The Chevelle and trailer were last seen in New Orleans on Arts Street and Piety Street. The Chevelle and its trailer have yet to be found by detectives. Detectives are appealing to the public for help in locating the stolen items.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Division at [email protected].

As a result of the investigation, Darby was arrested for Theft of a Motor Vehicle (2 counts), Possession of Stolen Property valued at $25,000 or more (2 counts), Possession of Stolen Property valued between $5,000 and $25,000 (2 counts), Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number. Smith was arrested for Possession of Stolen Property valued between $5,000 and $25,000 (2 counts), Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of Stolen Property valued less than $1,000.

Darby and Smith were arrested and taken to the Orleans Parish Jail. This investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges are pending in the case.

Louisiana State Police also wants to remind the community that any criminal activity can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or at www.crimestoppersgno.org.

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.

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