NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Two vehicles rammed into an East Bank Levee Police Department patrol car following reports of suspicious activity in the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 19.
According to the Southeastern Louisiana Flood Protection Authority, two EBLPD officers from the Orleans division responded to reports near Shelter 4 in the 5800 block of Lakeshore Drive around 2:53 a.m. Upon arrival, the officers saw suspects and two vehicles, one a white Hyundai Sonata with Texas plates and the other an unknown red sedan.
“Horrible. Horrible. We ain’t have none of this before. None of this,” said a New Orleans East resident.
When EBLPD arrived at the scene, the situation escalated after suspects in two cars rammed into a police unit, prompting officers to open fire. That’s when the chase started.
“You got older people, you have kids on this block. You know and we don’t need that type of environment here. Y’all go ahead and turn yourself in, y’all stop this madness,” said a New Orleans East resident.
One of the suspect’s cars was recovered, but they had already taken off on foot. Detectives believe a red vehicle could also be connected to the crime.
A New Orleans East resident says he moved to this neighborhood hoping it would be safer.
“I moved from out the Seventh Ward because I had a killing in front of my door. So, now this coming through the neighborhood, I don’t know what else to say. Shooting every other night, you know what I’m saying. Car chases,” said a New Orleans East resident.
Micheal Colvin, who regularly rides his bike along Lakeshore Drive, says police activity like this is not uncommon.
“I don’t wear a helmet but I do ride with my flashing lights front and back, day and night,” said Colvin.
Colvin understands police want to catch the bad guys but at what cost?
“I’ve always questioned that because I have felt at risk and they’ve come dangerously close to me while I am riding,” said Colvin.
Police said they did not recover the second vehicle. However, when WGNO arrived at the scene, police were inspecting a red vehicle. WGNO contacted police for more information but has not heard back.
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