GATOR, Gun, Drugs—BUSTED On Bourbon Street

Person holding a gun in a crowded street.

A convicted felon strolling down Bourbon Street with a live alligator, a loaded pistol, and marijuana proves that Louisiana just out-Florida’d Florida in the most jaw-dropping Valentine’s Day arrest of 2026.

Story Snapshot

Eurell D. Johnson, 25, arrested on Bourbon Street carrying a three to four-foot live alligator in the French Quarter
Johnson faces multiple charges including illegal alligator possession, felon in possession of a firearm, and marijuana possession
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents confiscated the alligator, a pistol, and marijuana during the 1:30 a.m. arrest
Illegal alligator possession carries penalties up to $950 in fines and 120 days in jail under Louisiana wildlife laws

Valentine’s Day Arrest on Bourbon Street

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents patrolling New Orleans’ French Quarter encountered an extraordinary sight on February 14, 2026. At approximately 1:30 a.m., agents observed Eurell D. Johnson, a 25-year-old from New Roads, Louisiana, casually walking down the 400 block of Bourbon Street carrying a live alligator measuring three to four feet long. The incident unfolded in one of America’s most famous entertainment districts during peak nightlife hours, when tourists and locals pack the historic street. Senior Agent Grayson Parker, along with Sergeants James Bruce, Emily Sexton, and Josh Harris, responded to the scene and quickly determined Johnson’s possession of the reptile violated Louisiana wildlife regulations.

Multiple Criminal Charges Compound Case Severity

Johnson’s bizarre wildlife violation became significantly more serious when agents discovered additional contraband during the arrest. The investigation revealed Johnson was a convicted felon illegally carrying a loaded pistol, compounding the wildlife charge with a serious Second Amendment violation that highlights the importance of keeping firearms out of criminal hands. Agents also found marijuana in Johnson’s possession, adding drug charges to the list. This trifecta of violations demonstrates the kind of reckless behavior that threatens public safety in crowded entertainment districts. The alligator was immediately transferred to an on-call LDWF biologist for proper care, while the firearm and drugs were seized as evidence. Johnson was booked into Orleans Parish Jail facing all three charges.

Louisiana Wildlife Laws Protect Public Safety

Louisiana maintains strict regulations governing alligator possession to protect both citizens and wildlife from dangerous situations. Illegal possession of a live alligator carries penalties ranging from $400 to $950 in fines and up to 120 days in jail under state wildlife laws. These regulations exist for compelling reasons—alligators are powerful predators capable of inflicting serious injury or death, particularly in crowded public spaces where unsuspecting tourists and families gather. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforces these laws to prevent exactly the kind of reckless endangerment Johnson displayed. Carrying a wild animal through densely populated Bourbon Street represents not just a regulatory violation but a profound disregard for community safety and common sense that conservative values of personal responsibility and respect for law utterly reject.

French Quarter Security Concerns Highlighted

The incident raises important questions about security and enforcement in New Orleans’ premier tourist destination during late-night hours. Bourbon Street attracts thousands of visitors seeking entertainment in a concentrated area, making it a location where criminal activity and public safety threats demand vigilant law enforcement. The fact that a convicted felon felt comfortable carrying an illegal firearm, drugs, and a dangerous reptile through this high-traffic zone suggests enforcement challenges that need addressing. LDWF agents’ presence and quick response demonstrate the value of multi-agency patrols in protecting citizens from unpredictable threats. The arrest reinforces the need for strong law enforcement presence in entertainment districts where alcohol consumption and large crowds create vulnerabilities that criminals may exploit.

Felon in Possession Charges Underscore Gun Rights Debate

Johnson’s arrest illustrates why Second Amendment advocates consistently argue that existing gun laws must be enforced before imposing new restrictions on law-abiding citizens. Convicted felons are already prohibited from possessing firearms under federal and state law, yet Johnson allegedly violated this clear legal boundary. This case demonstrates that criminal gun possession—not legal ownership by responsible citizens—drives much of America’s gun violence problem. Constitutional conservatives understand that respecting gun rights means keeping firearms away from those who have forfeited that privilege through criminal conduct. Johnson now faces prosecution for multiple violations that existed long before any recent legislative debates, proving that enforcement of current laws protects communities more effectively than creating new regulations that only burden responsible gun owners while criminals ignore them entirely.