Woman Accused Of Carjacking Fires At Driver On Louisiana Interstate, Police Say
A terrifying stretch of Interstate 110 in Baton Rouge turned into an active crime scene Sunday after police say a woman accused of carjacking a vehicle fired multiple gunshots at passing motorists, leaving one driver with a bullet graze to the head.
According to WAFB, 63-year-old Leila Ann Habib now faces several felony charges, including attempted second-degree murder, after investigators say she fired a revolver during a chaotic series of events that unfolded on the interstate.
Police Say Crash Led To Dangerous Interstate Encounter
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident began after Habib was involved in a crash near Interstate 10 and I-110. Police say her black Nissan Versa came to rest partially on the shoulder while also blocking part of the right travel lane.
Rather than remaining with the vehicle, investigators say Habib began walking through traffic lanes, preventing motorists from passing.
One driver, traveling in a gray Chevrolet Silverado, told police Habib stepped into his path, pulled out a chrome revolver with a black handle and fired a shot into the air.
Driver Grazed By Bullet While Trying To Escape
The Silverado driver told investigators he attempted to leave because he feared for his safety.
According to police, Habib positioned herself in front of the truck. As the driver tried to get away, the truck struck Habib, causing her to land on the hood.
Police say Habib then pointed the revolver directly at the driver and fired through the windshield.
The bullet reportedly grazed the driver's head.
As he continued trying to escape, the driver crashed into a retaining wall before colliding with the rear of Habib's disabled vehicle. His truck eventually came to rest in the center lane of the interstate.
Second Driver Says Woman Climbed Into Truck Bed
Investigators say another motorist soon encountered Habib while traveling northbound on I-110.
The second driver told police Habib was moving erratically in traffic and attempted to stop vehicles. He said she began pounding on his driver's side door before moving in front of his vehicle and striking it.
Police say Habib then climbed into the bed of his pickup truck.
While riding in the truck bed, investigators say she fired another shot into the air.
The driver exited the interstate at Scenic Highway and stopped at New Life Baptist Church. According to police, Habib damaged the truck's rear window with the firearm before getting out and firing yet another shot.
Police Arrest Suspect At Baton Rouge Church
Baton Rouge Police officers responded to the church and took Habib into custody without further incident.
According to investigators, officers recovered a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver along with 33 live rounds of .357 ammunition.
Habib was booked into jail on charges including:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Aggravated criminal damage to property
- Simple criminal damage to property
- Illegal use of a weapon
Detectives Link Suspect To New Orleans Carjacking
Police also say detectives identified Habib as the suspect in the earlier carjacking of the Nissan Versa involved in Sunday's incident.
Additional details surrounding the alleged New Orleans carjacking have not yet been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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