NEW ORLEANS — A deputy constable and a property manager were shot while trying to serve an eviction notice at an apartment in New Orleans East Wednesday morning and a suspect has been arrested. It is not known if that person was injured.
According to NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, gunfire was exchanged during the eviction notice attempt and the constable was struck in the shoulder and the property manager was hit in the chest. Ferguson said that both people were said to be stable.
"They both are alert and responsive," he said. "Anytime anyone is the victim of gun violence, it's concerning."
Ferguson said the constable is a former New Orleans Police officer who served six years on the force.
Ferguson said it is not immediately apparent as to why gunfire was exchanged, who fired first and how many shots were fired.
Ferguson said that the scene in the 7800 block of South Coronet Court was active as of 11:30 a.m. as a search was on for the person who was being evicted.
“Our guys do not pull weapons out except in extreme situations,” said 1st Circuit Court Constable Lambert Boissiere.
The suspect had fled the scene and was pursued by members of NOPD, SWAT, JPSO, State Police and the FBI. A High School in the area where the suspect was fleeing was locked down.
After a standoff, the suspect talked to negotiators and was apprehended without incident in the 3200 block of Iberville Street near Canal Street.
Shortly after the shooting, the constable and the property manager were rushed to University Medical Center and I-10 traffic was halted to make room for the ambulances carrying both victims.
Both victims are in stable condition in the hospital, according to Ferguson.
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