Traffic on Interstate 110 in Baton Rouge turned chaotic Sunday when, according to police, a 63-year-old New Orleans woman opened fire on passing drivers after a crash near the I-10/I-110 interchange. Motorists scrambled as shots rang out, one driver was grazed in the head, and the episode ended with officers arresting the suspect at a church off the Scenic Highway exit.
What police say
Detectives say the woman, identified in booking records as Leila Ann Habib, left her black Nissan Versa partially blocking the right lane, then began moving between vehicles and trying to force them to stop. One driver told investigators she pulled out a chrome revolver, aimed, and fired. The bullet went through his windshield and grazed his head, according to WBRZ. The driver then hit a retaining wall and crashed into the stalled Versa, the arrest affidavit states.
How the encounter unfolded
Another motorist reported that Habib pounded on his driver-side door, then climbed into the bed of his Chevrolet Silverado. He told officers she fired a shot into the air and damaged the truck’s rear glass as he sped away toward the Scenic Highway exit. He pulled into New Life Baptist Church, where officers later took her into custody.
First responders also reported that a second person who had been struck by gunfire left the scene and later drove to seek medical treatment. Authorities described that victim’s condition as stable, according to WBRZ.
Arrest, weapon and charges
Officers recovered a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum and 33 live rounds at the scene. Habib, 63, was booked on attempted second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, simple criminal damage to property and illegal use of a weapon, according to WAFB. Baton Rouge police said the arrest at New Life Baptist Church happened without any further incident.
Connection to New Orleans carjacking
Detectives told investigators the Nissan involved in the Baton Rouge episode had been linked to an earlier carjacking in New Orleans, and they were working with New Orleans authorities as the case developed, according to reporting from WGNO. Officials have not released further details about the New Orleans carjacking while that portion of the investigation continues.
What the law could mean
If prosecutors move forward with an attempted second-degree murder count in Louisiana, the state’s attempt statute allows for a significant prison term. When the underlying offense carries a possible life or death sentence, an attempt can bring hard labor for not less than ten years and not more than fifty years, without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence, as outlined in La. R.S. 14:27. Whether prosecutors stick with that charge or consider lesser responsive offenses will depend on their review of the affidavit and other evidence.
What’s next
Baton Rouge police say the investigation is still underway and are asking anyone with dash-cam or cellphone video to contact detectives. Prosecutors will now review the arrest paperwork and decide what formal charges to file in court as the case, which stretches across at least two parishes, moves forward, authorities told WBRZ.
