Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
In a horrifying incident in New Orleans, 34-year-old John Pittman is accused of attacking a woman with a chainsaw, severing her arm. The victim, believed to be Pittman’s 70-year-old mother, was found by police in critical condition with what appeared to be a severed arm. The attack took place on Franklin Avenue, where a chaotic scene unfolded as police responded to the distressing call.
Arrest and Evidence Collection
Footage obtained by WDSU shows the intense moment when Pittman was arrested. The video depicts officers wrestling with Pittman, resulting in a scuffle that led them to fall down a flight of stairs. During the struggle, two officers sustained mild to moderate injuries. Eventually, Pittman was subdued and taken into custody.
As part of the investigation, a chainsaw, believed to be the weapon used in the attack, was collected by the police. It was seen being placed into a brown evidence bag at the scene, with numerous evidence markers lining the sidewalk and stairs of the home where the attack occurred.
Neighbor’s Reaction
Warner Crockett, a neighbor, recounted the harrowing experience of hearing the chainsaw and the victim’s screams. Crockett described the incident as pure chaos and expressed her shock and disturbance at witnessing such a violent act so close to her home. She noted the difficulty in processing the event, highlighting the impact it has had on the local community.
Victim’s Condition and Investigation
The victim, whose identity has not been officially released, remains in critical condition. New Orleans Police are actively investigating the incident to determine the motive behind the attack. Detectives are in the process of gathering more information to understand what led to this violent altercation.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
John Pittman is currently facing serious charges, including aggravated battery by cutting and resisting arrest. The legal process will likely involve a thorough examination of the events leading up to the attack, the nature of Pittman’s relationship with the victim, and any possible underlying issues that may have contributed to this violent outburst.
Community Impact
The incident has left the community in shock. Neighbors and residents are grappling with the aftermath of such a violent event occurring in their vicinity. Crockett, along with other locals, expressed hope for the victim’s recovery and a swift resolution to the case. The community’s sense of security has been deeply affected, with many residents likely to feel uneasy and vigilant in the wake of the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
The New Orleans Police Department is continuing its investigation to piece together the details of the attack. The process involves not only gathering physical evidence but also interviewing witnesses and possibly family members to gain insight into the relationship between Pittman and the victim. As more information becomes available, it may shed light on the factors that led to this brutal incident.
Conclusion
The chainsaw attack on Franklin Avenue is a tragic and violent event that has shocked the New Orleans community. As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to uncover the motive and ensure justice for the victim.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence even within close-knit communities and the importance of vigilance and swift response from law enforcement in such dire situations. The community’s thoughts and hopes are with the victim and her family as they navigate through this challenging time.
