New Orleans Pet Care: 10/28/12

Reported by the NOPD

New Orleans Police arrested two juvenile gunmen and two adults last night just minutes after all four worked together to pull off an armed robbery Uptown.

Sixth District detectives say the 14-year-old and 15-year-old boys pulled out guns, approached a group of four adults near the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and Magazine Street, and demanded the group’s wallets and purses. One man handed over his wallet, and a woman turned over her purse, but a second woman started screaming for help. At that point, the armed teenagers ran off, and jumped into a black Mazda that was waiting for them. The driver of the getaway car was 20-year-old Devante Claiborne. 29-year-old Devan Stevens was seated next to Claiborne.

The victims promptly called NOPD, and offered accurate descriptions of the suspects and the car. The descriptions were broadcast on police radio, and an officer patrolling the area spotted the car and followed the suspects to the 2800-block of South Claiborne Avenue. That officer and another responding officer managed to apprehend all four suspects.

Officers searched the suspects’ car and found two guns believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as the stolen purse and wallet. All suspects were booked with Armed Robbery charges.

The victims later positively identified the car and the teenagers who committed the robbery.

Devante Claiborne was previously arrested for burglary. Devan Stevens was arrested for a warrant.

“It’s more than disturbing to know that a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old were out last night looking for residents to rob at gunpoint. And it’s simply unfathomable that two adults were waiting in a car for the kids to complete the task, so they could drive off with them”, said Superintendent Ronal Serpas.

“I have to give a lot of credit to the officers who were incredibly quick to respond to this call, as well as the other officers who were patrolling the area, and were quick to spot the suspects and haul them in. Our officers were on the case last night, and Uptown is safer tonight because of their outstanding work.”