Convicted felon arrested after allegedly carrying gun, live alligator on Bourbon Street, LDWF says

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A convicted felon was arrested early Saturday (Feb. 14) for allegedly carrying a gun and a live alligator through Carnival crowds on Bourbon Street, state wildlife officials said.

The suspect -- identified as 25-year-old Eurell D. Johnson of New Roads, La. -- was arrested by agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ enforcement division, the agency said.

According to the agency, agents saw Johnson carrying a 3- to 4-foot live alligator through Carnival crowds in the 400 block of Bourbon Street around 1:30 a.m.

“Agents made contact with Johnson and also found him in possession of a firearm and marijuana,” the DWF said in a statement. “Agents also learned that Johnson was a convicted felon and could not possess a firearm.”

Johnson’s previous felony was not detailed by the agency.

Agents seized the gator, a pistol and the marijuana, and booked Johnson with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a live alligator and possession of marijuana, the agency said.

Johnson was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail and the alligator was turned over to an on-call LDWF biologist, the agency said. The gator’s fate also was not disclosed in the agency’s press release.

Illegal possession of a live alligator is punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a fine ranging from $400-$950. The marijuana count could bring a fine of up to $100.

But Johnson’s biggest problem is the felony gun charge. If proven to be a felon in possession of a firearm, Johnson could be fined between $1,000 and $5,000, and face five to 20 years in state prison.

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