New Orleans area police, fire briefs for Oct. 18, 2012

Man accused of fire after fight at house

New Orleans — An Algiers man was arrested minutes after police say he started a fire at an Algiers home after arguing with a woman who lived there.

Harrington Caldwell, 58, was booked with six counts of aggravated arson and simple battery Wednesday after, New Orleans police say, he used gasoline to set fire to a home in the 2000 block of Farragut Street shortly after midnight Wednesday morning. Caldwell was arrested a few minutes after the fire was reported by an officer responding to the blaze.

Police said Caldwell was living at the home and argued with a woman there earlier Tuesday. He came back in the middle of the night and poured gasoline on the front porch and ignited it, police say. A witness saw Caldwell set the fire and tried to stop him, but he pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the stomach. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by car

Metairie — A Harahan man killed while crossing Veterans Boulevard on Tuesday night was identified by the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office on Wednesday.

Mario Prickett, 59, died after being struck by a car shortly after 10 p.m. near the intersection of Focis Street and Veterans Boulevard, a spokesman for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Prickett died at the scene.

Boyd said it appears Prickett was crossing the busy roadway in an area that was not designated as a crosswalk, and the driver of the vehicle could not see him. No citations have been issued in the incident. Prickett’s last known address was on Celeste Avenue in Harahan.

Police seek man in birthday shooting

New Orleans — New Orleans police believe a man involved in the slaying of a New Orleans man on his birthday may have been wounded himself during the incident.

Gregory Foley, 34, died from multiple gunshot wounds in a shooting in the 1500 block of Lafreniere Street on Saturday that also left three other women injured. One of those women was pregnant and went into labor after the shooting, police said.

According to a news release from the NOPD, one of the perpetrators was shot during the incident and may be seeking medical attention. A silver Chrysler Sebring was seen fleeing the area shortly after the shooting. Anyone with information on the incident can contact Homicide Detective Jacob Lundy at [phone].

Suspect sought in stabbing outside bar

New Orleans — A man who stabbed a bar manager during an argument on Monday night was caught on tape, and New Orleans police want the public’s help in identifying him.

The incident occurred shortly before 11 p.m. at a bar in the 500 block of Bourbon Street. A bar manager and bouncer escorted an angry patron from the business, and during the man’s removal he stabbed the bar manager in the chest. The wound was not life-threatening.

Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male, about 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches tall with a thin build. He is believed to be in his mid- to late 20s.

Simulated chemical spill slated Saturday

Terrytown — If Terrytown residents spot fire engines and men in white hazard suits in their neighborhood this weekend, they shouldn’t be alarmed because it’s only a test.

The Terrytown Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring a simulated chemical spill at 9 a.m. Saturday. The event will require the closure of parts of Wright Avenue from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First responders will be training in how to handle a collision involving a vehicle and a railroad tank car.

Compiled by
the New Orleans bureau