INVESTIGATIVE PRESSURES OF NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND U.S. MARSHALS TASK FORCE LEADS TO SURRENDER OF AUSBIA TAYLOR ON ATTEMPTED MURDER OF NOPD OFFICER

On November 21, 2006, Ausbia TAYLOR, 22 years of age, surrendered to the EDLA U.S. Marshals Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force (CSFTF) and the NOPD at the U.S. Courthouse in New Orleans, Louisiana. TAYLOR was wanted on warrants issued by the New Orleans Police Department for two counts of attempted first degree murder and flight from a police officer.

Information from the New Orleans Police Department alleges that TAYLOR may have had some involvement in a shooting that occurred on October 11, 2006, in the 6th District of New Orleans. That incident resulted in John Jordan, 35 years old, being shot six times in the torso. Later while NOPD detectives were investigating that incident they located TAYLOR and two other males later identified as Marion Taylor and Huey Helmstetter get into a vehicle with Helmstetter driving. The detectives also alleged to have observed Marion Taylor place an assault rifle in the vehicle. After a short pursuit, the vehicle was forced to stop for oncoming traffic on Felicity St. Marion Taylor then jumped out of the car and fled but was later apprehended. Ausbia TAYLOR then exited the vehicle armed with a handgun and fled on Felicity St. toward Magazine St. Police allege TAYLOR pointed his handgun at several officers during the short chase. Helmstetter then allegedly exited the vehicle with an assault rifle and pointed it at an NOPD detective. The detective fired at Helmstetter, who then threw the rifle back into the vehicle and surrendered. At that point TAYLOR threw his handgun into a dumpster and was able to escape. Helmstetter, who is a convicted felon, was taken into custody by NOPD/ATF and booked with felon in possession of a firearm and several traffic charges. His case is still pending.

The New Orleans Police Department and CSFTF began a fugitive investigation to locate TAYLOR. Due to the continued investigative pressure TAYLOR decided to surrender to the CSFTF.

As the crime rate has risen in the New Orleans metro area U.S. Department of Justice resources have been expanded to assist the New Orleans Police Department to locate and arrest violent offenders. The NOPD has been a member of CSFTF since it’s inception in 1999. That partnership has led to the arrest of over 3500 fugitives since 1999. Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, and U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services are also members of CSFTF.