Convicted Felon Arrested for Carrying Gun and Live Alligator on Bourbon Street

Louisiana wildlife agents seized the alligator, pistol, and marijuana from the suspect.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 25-year-old convicted felon from New Orleans was arrested early Saturday morning for allegedly carrying a live 3- to 4-foot alligator and a firearm through Carnival crowds on Bourbon Street. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents made the arrest and seized the alligator, pistol, and marijuana from the suspect.

Why it matters

Carrying a live alligator and a firearm as a convicted felon raises serious public safety concerns in the crowded French Quarter during Mardi Gras celebrations. This incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting felons from possessing firearms and the illegal wildlife trade.

The details

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, agents saw 25-year-old Eurell D. Johnson of New Roads, Louisiana carrying a 3- to 4-foot live alligator through Carnival crowds on Bourbon Street around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. When agents approached Johnson, they also found him in possession of a firearm and marijuana. Agents learned that Johnson was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

The players

Eurell D. Johnson

A 25-year-old convicted felon from New Roads, Louisiana who was arrested for allegedly carrying a live alligator and a firearm through Carnival crowds on Bourbon Street.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The state agency whose enforcement division made the arrest and seized the alligator, firearm, and marijuana from the suspect.

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What’s next

Johnson was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail. The alligator was turned over to an on-call LDWF biologist, but its fate was not disclosed. Johnson faces charges including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a live alligator, and possession of marijuana.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for heightened security and enforcement during major events like Mardi Gras to prevent dangerous individuals from putting public safety at risk. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing the illegal wildlife trade and keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons.