A percussion of gunshots woke residents near the corner of Palmyra and S. Gayoso streets in Mid-City early Friday morning after a neighbor found a man attempting to break into his car.

Hours later, New Orleans police charged Lester Worthy, 40, with several counts of vehicular burglary - more charges could follow.

The victim and Worthy exchanged gunfire, though no one was injured in the shootout. Several vehicles sustained damage after being broken into.

“That's what I think happened - the guy noticed it and he just came out here and just started shooting at the guy,” Tyrus Morris said.

Neighbor Patsy Fluker went outside her home after hearing gunshots. What she saw made her feel uneasy.

“I heard six gunshots, and when I woke up and came outside, I noticed my car was broken into and there was a lot of blood everywhere on all the seats,” Fluker said. “It's terrifying because I have three kids, and it could've come into my house. So I'm real scared.”

Morris sees a situation brewing where residents are beginning to “take matters into their own hands.”

He said he believes crime is getting worse and people are fighting back.

“(There is) still frustration over Hurricane Katrina,” Morris said. “It's a mind thing, so it's basically what people are doing now - arming themselves.”

He added, “I feel I shouldn't have to arm myself. I came back to show my city support because I love it. For me to come back and worry about somebody breaking into my car - that's something I don't want to do.”