Fair Grounds area stunned by violence
By Danny Monteverde | New Orleans Advocate | dmonteverde@theadvocate.com
At about 6:25 p.m. Sunday, a man on a white bicycle rode up to the 36-year-old victim in the 3000 block of Ponce De Leon Street and demanded his wallet, several neighbors and a friend said.
Whether the victim refused or something else happened is unknown. But within moments, the man on the bicycle opened fire, striking the victim in the chest and leg, police said.
The gunman, who has dreadlocks and wore a black shirt and black shorts, pedaled away southbound on Ponce De Leon and disappeared.
The victim was still in the intensive care unit at Interim LSU Public Hospital on Monday. While police said he was rushed there in critical condition, a friend said the wounds did not appear to be life-threatening.
“It sounds like it might be a long recovery because of the stomach wound, but he’s doing well,” said the friend, who asked not to be identified. “It’s not life or death at this point.”
The victim, a plumber’s assistant from Gentilly, had been visiting that friend to watch the New Orleans Saints play the Arizona Cardinals.
A little while after the game ended, the victim took a stroll to the nearby Canseco’s Market at Esplanade Avenue and Ponce De Leon.
The victim encountered his would-be robber as he walked back to his friend’s home while he carried a case of beer.
His friend became concerned when the victim did not return.
Meanwhile, word of the shooting spread quickly among neighbors who live near the scene.
Those who knew the victim realized who it was when they saw his cap and the beer on the ground, near where he lay.
“This is a neighborhood where this sort of thing does not happen. I think the whole neighborhood is really upset,” the victim’s friend said. “It was pretty devastating. I don’t know if I’ll fully process this.”
Some neighbors on Monday appeared to go about their lives as usual, with a number of people jogging, walking dogs or taking their children for walks in a stroller.
Sue Gaden, who lives a block from where the shooting happened, said there was an expected mix of emotions about what happened.
There was little panic or fear, she said, but some people were concerned about the headline-grabbing crime in a neighborhood that usually is in the news only when it hosts the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
“You have to look over your shoulder” when crimes such as a botched robbery happen, she said.
Some were frustrated that the city’s unyielding cycle of violent crime had hit their neighborhood.
“Nowhere is safe. … For somebody to get shot in the neighborhood is unheard of,” said Joseph Griffin, a cook at Liuzza’s by the Track. “When you leave the house in the morning, you have to have the mind-set anything can happen.”
Delgadillo Vigil Well Attended
photos by Charlie London, poster and narrative from Puentes New Orleans
As some of you may have heard, our dear friend and colleague Rafael Delgadillo, was shot in the head early Sunday morning. Rafael is stable, conscious, talking, and has full motor control; however, he currently has lost vision and we are unsure whether this will be temporary or permanent. I would ask that your thoughts be with him, his family, and the unknown youth who shot him at a stop sign in Mid City. Please also be with Lakshmi, who was a passenger in the car. Both of them struck a parked car while trying to escape; Lakshmi is physically ok. Rafael is expected to move out of ICU today into his private room. The visiting hours will change once he is moved. I invite you to send me an email afrachou@puentesno.org if you have any questions. 
Crime Czar James Carter and District C Councilmember Kristin Palmer
### NOPD Third District Investigative Unit Seeks Shooting Suspects New Orleans-The New Orleans Police Department’s Third District Investigative Unit is requesting the public’s assistance in locating and identifying two unknown African-American men wanted in connection with the shooting of a 28-year-old local male. The offense occurred shortly before 2:00 A.M., near the intersection of North Olympia and Toulouse Streets.
Councilmember Kristin Palmer looks on as the priest talks about loving one’s enemies. Lucas Diaz and Anna Frachou are next to the priest.
Detectives reported that the victim stopped at the stop sign at the intersection when he observed the suspects approach his vehicle. The victim sped off and one of the suspects fired at the victim, striking him in the head. The victim continued driving a short distance and subsequently hit a nearby house as a result of his injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is currently listed in stable condition. Suspect #1 is described as an African-American male approximately 5’7″, wearing a green shirt. Suspect #2 is described as an African-American male approximately 6’0″, wearing a maroon shirt. Citizens with information that can help solve this crime are asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 822-1111, toll-free 1-877-903-STOP(7867). You could receive a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the responsible person(s). You do not have to give your name nor testify to receive the reward. The New Orleans Police Department, under the leadership of Superintendent Ronal W. Serpas, is engaged in a complete transformation in its approach to ensuring that New Orleans is a safer place to live, work and visit. The police force, which currently employs 1,735 dedicated men and women, is committed to transparency, accountability, collaboration and integrity. To learn more about the NOPD and our services, visit http://www.nola.gov/GOVERNMENT/NOPD. #### Contact Name: Officer Shereese Harper Email address: srharper@nola.gov Cell phone #: 504-312-1953 
