Auto Theft Unit Partners with Other Agencies to Close Two Significant Arrests

Auto Theft Unit Partners with Other Agencies to Close Two Significant Arrests

New Orleans – On April 19, 2022, Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO) assisted the New Orleans Police Department and the Louisiana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole with a motor vehicle theft investigation.

The investigation revealed that 59-year-old Richard Stevens drove a 2016 Ford F-150 to Banner Chevrolet in New Orleans where he expressed interest in purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Stevens took the Chevrolet on a test drive, abandoning the Ford and failing to return the Chevrolet to the dealership. During the investigation, detectives were able to determine that the 2016 Ford F-150 was reported stolen from Phoenix, Arizona.

Through investigative measures and with the assistance of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Chevrolet pickup was located and recovered in Greene County, Mississippi. Stevens was located at the same location and also found to be in possession of a stolen travel trailer. Detectives learned that Stevens is a wanted fugitive in 7 states and actively on parole.

Stevens was placed under arrest and extradited from Mississippi to Louisiana where he was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Valued Over $25,000; Motor Vehicle Theft and Fugitive Warrants.

On April 25, 2022, detectives with the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO) located a stolen BMW X3 displaying a switched license plate at an apartment complex in Metairie.

During the investigation, detectives were able to determine that 22-year-old Lance Collins was the responsible party for the BMW. With the assistance of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Collins, who lived at the apartment complex, was located and found to be in possession of the key fob to the BMW. Additionally, a 9mm handgun and illegal narcotics were located in Collins residence. Inside of the BMW, detectives located a multi-caliber pistol with a 60-round high capacity magazine along with a variety of illegal narcotics.

Collins was placed under arrest and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle; Possession of firearm in the presence of narcotics and Possession of Schedule I.

The LSP-IFAT-NFO continues to investigate crimes related to auto theft and insurance fraud. Citizens can report suspected fraud to the LSP-IFAT via: lsp.insurance.fraud.unit@la.gov.

Contact Information:
TFC Kate Stegall
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Public Affairs Section
Office: (504) 471-2780
Katharine.stegall@la.gov