Mocobizscene- A driver in Marrero was shot by a Jefferson Parish deputy late Monday night (Feb. 5) after the driver endangered a law officer who was directing post-parade traffic. Sheriff Joe Lopinto described the incident as a case of an impatient individual putting the officer’s life at risk.
According to Lopinto, a 59-year-old man was shot in the upper shoulder when he tried to drive his vehicle over a curb towards the deputy. This incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. after the Krewe of Music parade had finished near the intersection of Lapalco and Ames boulevards.
The driver who was injured has not been identified, and it is unclear whether he will face arrest. According to Lopinto, the man’s condition is stable, and he is currently receiving treatment at University Medical Center in New Orleans.
“The deputy was directing traffic at the end of the parade when an illegal vehicle came over the curb and aggressively lunged towards the officer,” Lopinto stated.
The sheriff did not disclose the number of shots fired by the deputy at the driver, but he mentioned that the man was hit once.
“We will thoroughly review the statements and body-camera footage to determine the exact sequence of events,” stated Lopinto, emphasizing the commitment to uncovering the truth.
According to Lopinto, the dark-colored SUV was occupied solely by the injured driver.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto expressed uncertainty about the cause of the incident, stating, “I don’t know if it was alcohol-induced or what.” He emphasized that the deputies were simply performing their duties, attempting to clear intersections and ensure the safety of the public. Lopinto further noted that the individual who was shot had disregarded the commands given by the deputies.
Sheriff Lopinto refrained from disclosing the identity of the deputy involved in the shooting or specifying if she would be reassigned administratively during the investigation. He further expressed his frustration towards the driver’s alleged impatience, which ultimately put the deputy’s safety at risk.
According to Lopinto, the incident occurred right after the parade ended. As people were leaving, there was traffic, but jumping over the curb and approaching a police officer was not the proper way to enter or exit the parking lot. It was clear that the area where the individual attempted to enter was not designated as an entrance or exit.
According to Lopinto, the incident should not overshadow the overall success of the Krewe of Music’s first parade.
According to Lopinto, thousands of individuals attended the event and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. However, he emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences that may follow. Lopinto points out that the presence of the blue lights, which serve as guides for directing people, should be taken seriously.
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