A gunman riding in a pedicab blasted his weapon into the police car of two New Orleans officers on Friday afternoon — but both ambushed cops will survive, including one who now has a bullet lodged in his skull, authorities said as quoted by New York Post.
The officers were on routine patrol in the city’s French Quarter at around 4:25 p.m. when they were fired on by a man traveling in a pedicab, Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said.
Cops arrested the alleged gunman within minutes, and found the weapon they believe was used in the shooting, Ferguson said. One officer was shot in the left cheek, below the eye, and was listed in serious but stable condition.
“The bullet is lodged in his skull,” Ferguson said.
The four-year veteran of the force was responsive as he walked into the hospital holding his cheek. A second officer, a 16-year veteran of the department, suffered minor cuts to one arm after being hit by glass shards in the shooting, local outlet NOLA.com reported.
“Two of our officers were ambushed,” Ferguson said. “This is a dark day for our officers and I ask that you keep them in your prayers.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, a retired Army veteran performed first aid on the officer’s face wound, Ferguson said.
Both officers, whose names were not immediately released, were brought to a hospital by other cops who responded to the scene.
Passerby helped cops find the alleged gunman by pointing him out as he ran toward an intersection, Ferguson said.
The suspect had a gun holster on him and appeared to be experiencing some type of medical episode when he was captured, Ferguson said. He was also transported to a hospital because of an unknown medical condition, according to the official.
A witness told NOLA.com she saw the alleged shooter flailing, screaming and trying to bite first responders as he was loaded into an ambulance following his arrest.
Ferguson said officials were working to identify the suspect, who refused to give his name. It was not immediately clear what charges he would face.
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