The NOPD is investigating an incident that occurred in the early hours today (January 25, 2024) and included an NOPD officer discharging their service weapon.

At about 12:17 a.m., dispatch was notified of an officer in need of assistance at the intersection of College Court and Earhart Boulevard. Upon initial investigation, it was learned that Second District officers had located a vehicle at the location matching the description of a vehicle that had been reported stolen. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers viewed an unresponsive black male subject sleeping inside of the running vehicle, reportedly in possession of a firearm in his waistband. After making multiple attempts to awaken the suspect, the subject awoke and allegedly attempted to flee the location in the vehicle, nearly striking several officers. One officer reported to have discharged their service weapon toward the oncoming vehicle during the incident. The subject was not struck by the gunfire and was detained on scene. No officers were injured in the incident.

The subject, determined to be a teenaged juvenile male, was transported to a local medical facility for treatment of injuries sustained during the course of the incident and the subsequent apprehension.

Upon release from medical care, the suspect will be booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on the following charges:

• one count of resisting a police officer with force or violence
• one count of juvenile in possession of a firearm
• three counts of aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a motor vehicle.

No additional information is currently available.

The incident is under investigation by the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau’s Force Investigation Team, whose investigation includes the review of officer body-worn camera footage. Per NOPD Policy, the Public Integrity Bureau’s Deputy Chief will make a recommendation to the Superintendent of Police who, on behalf of the city, shall determine whether the recording(s) shall be released to the public under this directive or withheld subject to court review.

The Federal Consent Decree Monitoring Team was notified of the incident and the Independent Police Monitor was on scene. Both will continue to monitor this investigation.

Anyone with additional information that can assist in this investigation is urged to contact the NOPD Public Integrity Bureau at 504-658-6800.

Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.