Argument leads to couple’s arrest in connection to shooting incident on Conti Street

(Graphic by Eric T. Styles)
A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault-related charges after an argument on Conti Street led to an incident in which one of the suspects is accused of shooting at a random motorist Saturday night.

The incident occurred at 11:30 p.m. when a man and woman, identified as 43-year-0ld Jose Pablo Villa Cruz and 31-year-old Christie Paniagua, began arguing in the 700 block of Conti Street, according to New Orleans Police.

During the argument, Cruz took a gun out of the female’s purse and waved it towards a nearby female victim sitting inside of their vehicle.

The victim exited the car and fled towards the police station, with the male firing several shots towards them, according to New Orleans Police.

New Orleans Police officers, including the mounted patrol, arrested the two suspects on Bourbon Street without injury.

Paniagua was booked into Orleans Parish Justice Center on suspicion of charges including disturbing the peace and illegally carrying a weapon. Her bail was set on $7,500 following a Dec. 13 court appearance, according to records.

Booking information was not immediately available for Cruz.