NEW ORLEANS — Authorities say what started as a car crash on the West Bank resulted in a shooting, hit-and-run, and later chase across the Crescent City Connection into the Lower Garden Districts on Thursday morning.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the crash happened on General De Gaulle Drive just after 8 a.m. As the drivers were exchanging information, police say one driver drove off and fired two shots at the other driver.
New Orleans police say the victim followed the shooter across the bridge while relaying information to police.
A Louisiana State Police trooper joined the chase and the alleged shooter crashed his car near Calliope and Magazine streets. The driver then tried to flee on foot and was apprehended. There were no injuries in the shooting or crash.
NOPD Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier says it is never a good idea for victims to chase an armed suspect.
“We don’t advise that. If you can get their information and then relay it to police that’s fine, but, we don’t advise that. For your own safety just get the license plate or any other information, the description of the vehicle…and that is enough. You don’t need to chase especially with someone armed.”
Several Louisiana State Police vehicles were seen near the National World War II Museum around the intersection of Andrew Higgins Boulevard and Magazine Street. Troopers closed roads two blocks away on Calliope Street, and law enforcement was seen surrounding a vehicle.
The NOPD said that investigators recovered two weapons at the scene.
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