Over a dozen stolen cars valued at $300K recovered from abandoned Algiers apartment complex

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Over a dozen stolen cars valued at $300,000 were recently recovered from an abandoned Algiers apartment complex where they were kept in storage, according to a release from the Louisiana State Police.

Troopers say a tip given to Crimestoppers in the Greater New Orleans area sparked an investigation that has led detectives to identify David Darby, 40, of Texas, as a person of interest. Police say they began investigating the apartments when a tip was received that several people were living there without permission from the property owner. That’s when police say they found eight stolen vehicles on the grounds back in October.

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Police say that the investigation continued into last month. On Nov. 22, they observed Darby driving a Ford F-250 pickup with Haley Smith, 41, of New Orleans, into the apartment complex. After a traffic stop, police say they were able to determine the truck was stolen in New Orleans and that Darby was also in possession of a stolen handgun. On the same day, police say they recovered eight more stolen vehicles, as well as two mobile homes.

Detectives say they have also linked Darby with a stolen 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle and a fully enclosed trailer that were last known to be in the area of Arts Street and Piety Street. The classic car and trailer have yet to be located.

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 a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, and Possession of Stolen Property valued less than $1,000.

Darby and Smith were booked into the Orleans Parish Jail. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111

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