The NOPD has arrested Clifford “Flea” Coates (DOB: 01-12-1982) in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in the 2700 block of St. Andrew Street on January 12, 2018.

The victim told police that at about 5:30 a.m., he was in the area attempting to purchase illegal narcotics when a black male approached him attempting to sell him marijuana. The victim refused to purchase anything from the black male, at which point the victim began walking back to his vehicle. The victim then heard one to two shots and realized he was shot once in his left buttock. The victim drove himself to an area hospital, while the black male fled the location on foot northbound on St. Andrew Street. 

As the investigation progressed, Sixth District detectives received information that Coates was the possible perpetrator of the shooting, and a description of Coates’ vehicle. Using this information, a warrant was secured for Coates’ arrest.

On January 13, Sixth District detectives observed the described vehicle at the intersection of Magnolia and Felicity Streets. The detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 2000 block of Clara Street, identifying the driver as Coates. At that time, Coates was arrested. While conducting a search warrant on Coates’ vehicle, a clear bag of green vegetable matter consistent with marijuana was found inside of the vehicle as well as black handgun holster.

Coates was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for aggravated second degree battery and possession of marijuana.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact Sixth District detectives at 504-658-6060.