The NOPD arrested Courtney Aaron Jr. (pictured, male, DOB: 11-16-1997) on drug and weapons charges in an incident that occurred on April 5, 2021 in the 1600 block of Elysian Fields Avenue.

At about 11:26 p.m., an NOPD Fifth District officers approached the intersection of North Claiborne and Elysian Fields avenues when she observed an exchange of gunfire between multiple subjects at a nearby gas station. The officers responded and was able to detain and arrest one of the suspects, later identified as Aaron, without incident. Meanwhile the other suspects fled the scene in a red newer-model Chevrolet Camaro.

During investigation, the officer recovered the firearm believed to have been used by Aaron in the incident, as well as other ballistics evidence at the scene.

Further investigation revealed vegetative matter consistent with being marijuana was also found in plain view inside Aaron’s vehicles, as well as a suitcase. Upon obtaining and executing a search warrant, detectives discovered a digital scale, fully loaded extended handgun magazine as well as narcotics including MDMA, marijuana and oxycodone.

Aaron was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for illegal carrying of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and on illegal drug possession charges.

Anyone with additional information on this incident, including information on the subjects in the reported red Camaro, is asked to contact NOPD Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.