A 48-year-old man is wanted by New Orleans police after allegedly stepping out of his residence with a gun and firing a shot at workers who had been hired to clean a rental property and haul away trash. The confrontation happened around 4:30 p.m. in the city's Fourth District, according to police, and no injuries were reported among the workers.
Police have identified the suspect as Casey Reichard, who they say became upset with the cleanup crew before pointing a firearm at them and firing one shot in their direction, according to WWLTV. The workers had reportedly been hired by Reichard's landlord to clean the property and remove trash when the confrontation escalated. Reichard is expected to face two aggravated-assault charges.
What the Charges Could Mean
The charges could result in criminal penalties if Reichard is convicted. Because Reichard faces two separate counts, any penalties would depend on the court's sentencing decisions.
The incident unfolded in the Fourth District.
A Landlord-Tenant Dispute Turned Dangerous
The circumstances surrounding the cleanup crew's presence at the property point to the kind of friction that can arise between landlords, tenants and hired workers during property disputes. Louisiana does not require landlords to give a specific advance notice period before entering a rental unit, but Louisiana Civil Code Article 2682 guarantees tenants a non-waivable right to “peaceful possession” throughout their lease, according to KPEL News.
Property management guidance under Louisiana law also cautions against self-help eviction measures. It remains unclear whether a formal eviction proceeding had been filed before the cleanup crew arrived at the property last Monday.
Suspect Has Prior Felony Record
Court records show Reichard has previously run afoul of the law in Orleans Parish. He was convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and sentenced to six years at hard labor, a conviction the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed in June 2006, according to FindLaw. He was also previously convicted of theft of money over $500 and sentenced as a second felony offender to five years at hard labor, according to appellate court records reviewed by PlainSite.
New Orleans Gun Violence
The shooting comes amid attention to overall violent crime in New Orleans.
Nonfatal shooting incidents across Orleans Parish are also part of the local crime picture.
How to Help Find Reichard
NOPD Fourth District detectives are asking anyone with information on Reichard's whereabouts to call 504-658-6040. Tipsters can also reach Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans anonymously at 504-822-1111 or 1-877-903-STOP, or submit tips online at www.crimestoppersgno.org.
It remains unclear whether Reichard has been located or remains at large as of the latest update from police. The current appeal is a request for public help in locating a wanted suspect.
