Suspect arrested after robbery with toy gun

On March 21, around 8:45 pm, APD officers responded to the 3400 block of North Blvd to a report of a robbery. While en route, officers were informed that a man had just been robbed at gunpoint and that the suspect had fled toward the mall on foot. Officers were also informed of the suspect's clothing description, including a mask.

Moments later, a responding officer found a suspect matching the description in the mall parking lot, headed away from the crime scene.

The officer stopped and detained the suspect, who had his hands in his pockets and was looking around nervously. The officer told the suspect to remove his hands from his pockets, and the suspect hesitantly looked around again and kept his hands in his pockets. The officer ordered the suspect again to take his hands out of his pockets, at which point the suspect began to comply. The suspect was then taken into custody without incident or injury.

While frisking the suspect, the officer felt what he believed was a gun in the suspect's pocket. The officer retrieved the items and found a toy gun that had been painted black, presumably in order to make it appear more realistic. The officer continued to search the suspect and then found a mask like the one described in his pocket. The suspect, identified as Jonvar McCray, was arrested and was transported to APD headquarters for an interview.

Following the interview, McCray was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Upon arrival there, when he exited the police car, McCray attempted to flee, running down the parking garage while still in handcuffs. He was quickly caught again and was taken inside.

McCray was charged with first-degree robbery and simple escape, and was booked into DC-1.