NEW ORLEANS — Authorities say a 37-year-old man faces an attempted murder charge after two separate violent attacks in New Orleans last week.
The New Orleans Police Department says William Lewis was booked on charges of armed robbery, second-degree robbery, attempted murder and obstruction following two violent incidents.
According to police, the first incident, a robbery, happened on March 21 in the 1000 block of Touro Street. A Marigny resident said the suspect followed the victim for at least two blocks before beating and robbing him.
"(He was) waiting to get him in a dark area where there was nobody around, so he can pounce on him, beat him unmercifully and leave him for dead," said Felipe Fischer.
The second attack happened on March 25 near Burgundy and Barracks streets in which Lewis allegedly struck another person several times with a blunt object and robbed them of their wallet.
The NOPD said the victim in the second attack suffered "traumatic head injuries" in the attack.
"We're in a tornado of crime and it's time to bring in support," said Rhonda Findley, who started a drive to get the city to bring in the National Guard a few months back.
"During both incidents, the victims were brutally attacked by Lewis and hospitalized as a result of their injuries," a statement from the police department said.
The NOPD said detectives identified Lewis as a suspect in the second attack, and he was arrested on March 26. He was later linked to the first robbery after he was arrested, police say.
As the city prepares to host this weekend's Final Four, one of the highest profile sports events in the country, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson saying those coming to have fun, and possibly drink, should leave any weapons behind.
"That's a heck of a combination, food spirits and a weapon," he said.
There will be additional staffing from State Police, the JPSO and federal agencies for the Final Four.
Anyone with information about either attack is asked to call the NOPD at 504-821-2222 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.