NOPD Seeking Vehicle of Interest in Ongoing Investigation of Found Child in Seventh District

The NOPD is seeking assistance in locating a vehicle of interest in the ongoing investigation of a July 31, 2024 incident involving a found child at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Wilson Drive.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a young male child was found the listed location. As the investigation progressed, NOPD Special Victims Section Child Abuse Unit detectives identified and developed Makayla Ryan (black female, DOB: 03-13-2001) as a suspect in this incident. Ryan was located and subsequently booked on one count of filing false public records.

Detectives have also developed the pictured vehicle - described as a newer model Ford Transit - as a vehicle of interest. Detectives believe the vehicle was used in connection with this incident and are seeking its owner/operator for questioning.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact the NOPD Special Victims Division Child Abuse Unit at 504-658-5267. Those wishing to report information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD's Public Affairs Division at [email protected].