UPDATE: The NOPD has arrested Neilson Rizzuto (DOB: 12/26/1991) after he plowed into a crowd of people including an NOPD officer Saturday evening. Rizzuto will be booked with the following charges:
R.S. 14:39.2 relative to First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring
R.S. 14:39.2 relative to First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring
R.S. 14:100 relative to Hit and Run Driving.
R.S. 14:99 relative to Reckless Operation.
This investigation remains ongoing and the subject will be re booked as information is learned about the injured victims.
Orginial Story
The NOPD is investigating a vehicle crash that injured at least 28 victims on Saturday night (Feb. 25)
The incident happened at the intersection of North Carrollton and Orleans Avenue. At around 6:42 p.m., a Chevrolet pick up truck was seen traveling eastbound on Carrollton Avenue when he struck two vehicles. The driver then caused one of the vehicles to strike a third vehicle. He then lost control driving over the neutral ground, striking a city dump truck and hitting multiple pedestrians. NOPD officers and state troopers were on scene and quickly assisted. EMS was on scene immediately to render medical aid.
At least 28 people were injured; however, 21 people were transported to different hospitals in the city by ambulance. Currently, 5 people are being treated in the trauma center at those hospitals. The investigation is on going.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "We are grateful that none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. I want to thank all of our emergency personnel for responding quickly, aiding the injured, and apprehending the drunk driver."
The victims are currently at the following hospitals:
-University Medical Center
-Tulane Medical Center
-Tulane Lakeside
-Touro Hospital
-East Jefferson General Hospital
-Ochsner Main Hospital
-Ochsner Baptist Hospital
The drunk driver of the vehicle was quickly apprehended on scene.