News Summary
A standoff at the La Quinta hotel in Terrytown led to the arrest of 19-year-old Evans Rogers, accused of shooting a 9-year-old girl, Leelani Brooks, critically injuring her. The shooting, resulting from a neighborhood feud, occurred while Leelani played outside. Following a four-hour standoff, authorities arrested Rogers, who is now in custody. The local community is rallying around Leelani’s family as they grapple with the shocking violence stemming from ongoing conflicts.
Terrytown – The standoff at the La Quinta hotel in Terrytown ended with the arrest of 19-year-old Evans Rogers, who is accused of attempting to murder a 9-year-old girl. The girl, identified as Leelani Brooks, was critically injured in a shooting incident that took place on Monday, May 12, when gunfire erupted in her neighborhood.
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. outside an apartment building located on Lawrence Street near Elizardi Boulevard and Jo Ann Place. Reports indicate that the shooting resulted from an ongoing neighborhood feud, which escalated into violence as Rogers allegedly fired shots among a group of residents. Leelani was outside playing with other children when she was struck by a bullet that penetrated her home through a window as she attempted to escape to safety.
As the gravity of the situation continued to unfold, Leelani Brooks was reported to be in “grave” condition and is currently on life support, according to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). The possibility of multiple shooters was suggested by the recovery of numerous shell casings at the scene, further complicating the investigation.
In response to Rogers’ suspected involvement in the shooting, the U.S. Marshals and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office surrounded the hotel where Rogers was believed to be hiding. A four-hour standoff ensued as law enforcement attempted to negotiate with Rogers and an unidentified individual inside the room. Family members of the barricaded suspects attempted to engage them, but the pair did not emerge willingly.
The standoff concluded peacefully when authorities forced entry by breaking a window, at which point both Rogers and the other individual surrendered to the police. Although both were taken into custody initially, only Rogers has been officially arrested and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center as of the evening of the standoff.
The NOPD is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Leelani Brooks and is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. They have directed members of the community to contact them or the Crimestoppers hotline for anonymity and potential rewards for pertinent information.
This troubling incident highlights the risks involved in neighborhood conflicts escalating into gun violence, particularly affecting innocent bystanders such as children. As the community processes this event, there is an urgent call for safety and the need for individuals to speak up against violence in their neighborhoods.
As investigations continue, local residents remain in shock at the events that unfolded. The repercussions of this shooting are being felt throughout the community, with many supporting Leelani Brooks and her family during this challenging time.
In addition to processing this case, law enforcement officials are taking this opportunity to remind the public of the persistent issues surrounding gun violence and its implications within community settings.
The NOPD also emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing such serious issues that can lead to devastating outcomes if left unaddressed.
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Additional Resources
- WAFB: Child Shooting Suspect Arrested After Standoff
- WGNO: Suspect Wanted in Connection with Algiers Shooting in Custody
- NOLA: Terrytown La Quinta Motel Suspect
- Google Search: Gun Violence in Communities
- Daily Voice: 21-Year-Old Nabbed After Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Prevention
