VIOLET, Louisiana – A violent crime spree in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, ended in tragedy on Thursday, Jan. 11 when a police chase culminated in a crash on the Claiborne Avenue Bridge in New Orleans. Deputies from the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to an armed robbery and alleged sex crime in the Violet area, leading to a pursuit and fatal crash.
According to Sheriff James Pohlmann, 26-year-old Deindre Brock allegedly robbed and sexually assaulted a 25-year-old woman at gunpoint after arranging to buy electronics from her online. After the incident, Brock fled the scene in the victim’s car and crashed into two other vehicles on the bridge.
The pursuit concluded with deputies finding Brock dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head inside the victim’s car. Sheriff Pohlmann confirmed that no shots were fired by law enforcement during the pursuit or at the scene.
The tragic incident has left residents in the area feeling unsafe and fearful, with one resident expressing concerns about walking alone at night. Sheriff Pohlmann urged caution for anyone selling items online, advising them to meet unknown buyers in safe, well-lit, and well-trafficked areas.
The victim of the carjacking and sexual assault is currently recovering at a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the sheriff. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers.
This marks the first carjacking of the year in St. Bernard Parish, with only one reported in 2023. The sheriff’s office continues to recommend safety measures for online transactions, emphasizing the importance of meeting unknown individuals in secure locations.
The tragic events of the day serve as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance, especially when conducting transactions with unfamiliar individuals. The impact of this incident resonates throughout the community, prompting a renewed focus on protecting oneself during online exchanges.