Burglar Steals $8,000 in Cash and Liquor from Bywater Restaurant During Hurricane Francine; Suspect Arrested

As Hurricane Francine lashed Louisiana with heavy rain and strong winds on September 11, 2024, a burglar seized the opportunity to break into a popular restaurant in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood, escaping with approximately $8,000 in cash and premium liquor. The break-in occurred while the city was experiencing severe weather conditions, which often stretch emergency response resources thin.

Opportunistic Theft Amidst the Storm

According to reports, the suspect gained entry to the establishment during the height of the storm. The thief targeted the bar and office area, loading up on expensive bottles of alcohol and securing cash from the register and safe. The owner of the restaurant discovered the break-in the following morning, discovering significant damage to the entry point and a depleted stock of high-end spirits.

Arrest Made Following String of Burglaries

Following a thorough investigation by the New Orleans Police Department, authorities arrested a suspect linked not only to the Bywater restaurant break-in but also to a series of other burglaries in the area. The suspect is accused of targeting multiple establishments, including local churches and businesses along or near the busy St. Claude Avenue corridor. The suspect faces multiple charges of commercial burglary and property damage.