Men try to burglarize jewelry store next to French Quarter police ... - NOLA.com
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Left to right: Donovan Griffin, 25, and Zachariah Woodruff, 24, were arrested mere minutes after they allegedly burglarized a jewelry store next door to the New Orleans Police Department's station in the French Quarter on Sunday, December 11, 2016. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office)
New Orleans police arrested two men Sunday (Dec. 11) mere minutes after they allegedly burglarized a jewelry store next door to the police station in the French Quarter. The two men were caught with about $10,000 worth of jewelry, a crowbar and two hammers, according to a news release issued around 5:15 p.m.
Donovan Griffin, 25, and Zachariah Woodruff, 24, were both booked Sunday into Orleans Parish jail on counts of simple burglary and illegal weapons carrying. Bond was set at $12,000 for Woodruff and $26,000 for Griffin, who pleaded guilty to a previous unlawful entry charge in 2014.
According to the news release, two detectives were inside the NOPD Eighth District station on Royal Street when they heard the sound of glass breaking just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Seconds later, someone ran into the station to let officers know that two men were burglarizing David's Antiques and Jewelry store, located next door to the station in the 300 block of Royal Street.
Detectives managed to arrest Griffin and Woodruff as they tried to flee down Bienville Street. Around $10,000 worth of jewelry, a crowbar and two hammers were found between the pair, the news release said.
It's the second time Griffin has faced legal trouble related to burglary, according to court records. He was arrested in connection with burglarizing a home in 2013 and pleaded guilty to a charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, which was reduced from simple burglary. He received a suspended three-year prison sentence to be served as active probation.
Anyone with information about Sunday's burglary is asked to contact any Eighth District detective at 504-658-6080. You may also call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.
