The New Orleans Police Department is currently probing an incident involving an officer and a domestic violence suspect that escalated into an exchange of gunfire late night yesterday. The event, which unfolded in the 3200 block of Bienville Street around 11 p.m., saw the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Justin Martin, open fire on an NOPD officer who had been dispatched in response to a domestic battery call, as reported by WDSU.
Responding officers encountered Martin armed prompting one officer to order him to relinquish his weapon; however, Martin defied the commands and instead chose to shoot at the officer, which led the officer to return fire, striking Martin, prior details of the incident were outlined by FOX 8 Live. Martin was subsequently taken to a local hospital where he received life-saving aid, and police have since updated that his condition is stable, the NOPD spokesperson confirmed that none of their personnel were harmed during the incident.
Following the encounter, Martin, who was initially hospitalized, has now been taken into custody, currently, he faces several charges stemming from the incident. An NOPD spokesperson indicated to local media that further details will be released as the investigation progresses, according to information obtained by Audacy. The Department has not yet provided specifics regarding the allegations against Martin or the precise nature of the domestic disturbance that precipitated the police response.
The circumstances leading to the gunfire are subject to an ongoing investigation, and NOPD has assured the public that more information will be shared.
