WWL-TV

Police tape off the scene where NOPD detectives and suspects engaged in a gunfight.

Narcotics detectives conducting surveillance on a house near Dillard University ended up watching a shootout and then being fired at by three men, hitting one suspect before arresting two men, said NOPD spokeswoman Sabrina Richardson.

Around 2 p.m. Friday, detectives were on a surveillance in the 3600 block of Frenchmen Street when several men in a dark-colored Chevy Tahoe pulled up and began firing at a group of men standing on the sidewalk, said Richardson.

According to police, the detectives then chased after the Tahoe in a marked police vehicle.  Nearly a block away, the occupants of the Tahoe opened fire on the detectives.  The detectives returned gunfire and hit one suspect, later identified as Brandell Baptiste, in the leg, police said.

NOPD

Brandell Baptiste, left, and Ronald Martin were both arrested in connection with the shooting.

At the intersection of Annette and Frenchmen, two of the men inside of the Tahoe jumped out and attempted to flee on foot, breaking into a nearby house, said Richardson.  Police said that the detectives arrested both men inside of the home without incident, but the driver of the Tahoe was able to get away.

EMTs were called to the scene and Baptiste was taken to the hospital.

Richardson said that they are still looking for the driver of the Tahoe, which is described as being dark-colored with the rear window blown out from bullets and bullet holes on the passenger side.

Eighteen-year-old Brandell Baptiste and 18-year-old Ronald Martin were arrested in connection with attempted murder on a police officer, illegal discharge of a firearm and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.