The NOPD has identified three suspects, two of which have been arrested and booked, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on March 7, 2023, at the intersection of Saint Roch Avenue and North Miro Street.

On March 7, Fifth District Officers responded to a call of a person shot at the location. Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body. The juvenile was transported to an area hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.

During follow-up investigation by Fifth District detectives, it was learned that two juvenile males were attempting to burglarize a vehicle in the 2400 block of North Tonti Street. While the juveniles were in the process of burglarizing the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle emerged and began shooting at the juveniles. The juveniles attempted to escape in their vehicle, during which the 14-year-old juvenile victim driving sustained gunshot wounds and crashed into a parked vehicle. Further investigation showed the suspect vehicle had been reported stolen hours prior to this incident. A search of the vehicle revealed burglary tools and two stolen firearms.

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified the burglarized vehicle owner’s residence and attempted to make contact. After unsuccessful attempts, NOPD Special Operations Division officers assisted. The vehicle owner, identified as Denzal Peters (black male, DOB: 07-31-1996) exited the residence and surrendered to police. A search warrant was enacted on the subject’s residence and revealed the pictured items, including approximately 274 grams of marijuana. During questioning, Peters refused to speak to detectives.

All three persons involved in this incident face criminal charges. These include:

• Juvenile #1, who will be booked upon release from medical care for possession of a stolen automobile; simple burglary of a vehicle; and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
• Juvenile #2, who was booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center for possession of a stolen automobile; simple burglary of a vehicle; and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
• Peters, who was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for aggravated battery by shooting; illegal discharge of a firearm; obstruction of justice; and Illegal carry of a firearm while in possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is urged to contact NOPD Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050.