A New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer was attacked while responding to a shoplifting incident at a convenience store on Chef Highway in New Orleans East. The situation, which unfolded on a Saturday afternoon, escalated rapidly when the alleged shoplifter, 41-year-old Lamont Mathis, threatened violence against the store’s patrons and physically assaulted the responding officer.
Incident Overview
The incident began when Mathis entered a storage room at the Tex Mart convenience store and took a bottle of liquor off the shelf. The store owner, Habig Tekla, confronted Mathis and took the liquor from him. It was at this point that Mathis escalated the situation by threatening to retrieve a gun and shoot those present in the store. Tekla described the scene as panic-inducing, with customers reacting in fear to the threat of violence. Tekla quickly called the police, leading to the arrival of the NOPD officer.
Officer’s Response and Escalation
Upon arrival, the officer attempted to subdue Mathis, who was trying to leave the store. The officer deployed his taser in an effort to control the situation, but Mathis resisted arrest. According to the NOPD, Mathis physically attacked the officer, throwing him to the ground and repeatedly punching him in the head. Court documents reveal that Mathis also attempted to strangle the officer during the altercation.
As the struggle continued, bystanders in the store began to intervene. Video footage captured by security cameras and circulating on social media platforms, such as TikTok, shows the bystanders pleading with Mathis to release the officer. The bystanders can be heard repeatedly urging Mathis to “let go” of the officer. Their intervention played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation, as they eventually succeeded in helping to free the officer from Mathis’s grip.
Community and Police Reaction
The incident has sparked significant concern within the community and the police force. Melanie Talia, a representative from the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, emphasized the inherent dangers that law enforcement officers face in seemingly routine calls. She pointed out that what began as a response to a shoplifting incident could have easily escalated into a far more serious situation, potentially resulting in severe injury or even death.
Sylvia McKenzie, representing the Rosedale Neighborhood Association, praised the responding officer for his restraint in handling the volatile situation. She also commended the bystanders who intervened, noting that their actions were instrumental in preventing the situation from worsening. McKenzie expressed relief that the incident did not result in a more tragic outcome, highlighting the critical role that community members played in supporting the officer.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, additional officers arrived at the scene and arrested Mathis. He was subsequently taken to the Orleans Justice Center, where he faces multiple charges, including battery of a police officer and resisting a police officer with force. The officer involved in the altercation was treated for minor injuries, including blows to the head, and was later released from medical care.
In response to the incident, an NOPD spokesperson released a statement commending the responding officer for his patience and restraint. The statement also expressed gratitude towards the citizens who stepped in to assist the officer, acknowledging the crucial role they played in managing the situation.
The violent encounter at the Tex Mart convenience store serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of law enforcement work. The swift escalation of what appeared to be a routine shoplifting call underscores the importance of community support in ensuring the safety of both officers and civilians. As Mathis faces the legal consequences of his actions, the incident remains a point of reflection for both the NOPD and the New Orleans community at large.
