The NOPD has obtained arrest warrants for James Watts (pictured, black male, DOB: 11-16-1992) and two juvenile black males (not pictured) in the ongoing investigation of an aggravated battery by shooting on February 5, 2022 at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Burgundy Street.

At approximately 11:05 p.m. on February 5, NOPD Eighth District officers responded to reports of shots fired at the intersection. Upon arrival, officers learned the victim had reportedly caught four perpetrators breaking into vehicles in the 2100 block of Burgundy Street. The four subjects were all reportedly armed with firearms and began shooting at the victim from the intersection of Burgundy Street and Elysian Fields Avenue before fleeing the scene.

On February 6, officers arrested a 15-year-old juvenile black male suspect (not pictured) who arrived at a local hospital for injuries sustained in this incident.

On February 7, NOPD Eighth District detectives located the suspects’ vehicle at the intersection of Urquhart and Gallier Streets in the Fifth District. The vehicle was discovered to have been reported stolen in an incident on February 5 in the 5900 block of Lafaye Street in the Third District.

Upon the execution of two search warrants on February 10 and with the assistance of NOPD Special Operations Division and detectives from the Fifth, Second and Third districts, Eighth District detectives recovered a total 12 firearms, several pounds of marijuana, ammunition, electronics and drug paraphernalia (pictured).

Through the course of investigation, detectives developed and positively identified Watts and the two additional juveniles as perpetrators in this incident.

Watts is currently wanted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, illegal possession of stolen thing, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and illegal use of weapons.

The second juvenile suspect, a 12-year-old male, is wanted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, illegal use of weapons and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

The third juvenile suspect, a 16-year-old male, is wanted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, illegal use of weapons and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

Anyone with additional information on this incident or the whereabouts of any of the listed suspects is asked to contact NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080 or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 1-877-903-STOP.