A New Orleans Police officer has been placed on emergency suspension after attempting to strike a man with her vehicle, the department announced today in a press release.
33-year-old Stephanie Caldwell was arrested Sunday after a verbal and physical altercation with a 47-year-old man in the 1700-block of North Broad Street at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Police say Caldwell attempted to strike the man with her vehicle, and when the man ran westbound on North Broad she pursued him, driving against traffic on North Broad and Onzaga streets.
Police say Officer Caldwell — a 10-year veteran of the department who was most recently assigned to the Special Operation Division's Tactical Unit — struck a parked car, continued onto Roussellin Drive, and struck a wooden post, cracking the post in half and disabling her vehicle.
Caldwell was tested for drugs and alcohol, received medical clearance, and was arrested and booked by the NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau. Caldwell has been placed on emergency suspension without pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
Police say the male victim did not receive any injuries, and refused medical treatment.
Caldwell, who was released after posting $2,000 bond, has been charged with:
- Aggravated Assault (Domestic)
- Simple Battery (Domestic)
- Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
- Hit and Run
- Driving Against Traffic