French Quarter merchant assaulted Saturday with railroad spike, NOPD says

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A French Quarter merchant was hospitalized with head trauma Saturday (June 29) after being attacked by a man wielding a railroad spike, New Orleans police said.

The NOPD did not disclose the victim’s age, gender or condition, but said a suspect was arrested shortly after the attack.

The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. in the 800 block of Decatur Street. The block is near Cafe du Monde and the start of French Market shops on one side of the street, and businesses adjacent to Jackson Square on the other.

According to police, a suspect identified as 44-year-old Leif Rosell hurled a brick through the window of the victim’s business. When the victim came outside to confront the man, Rosell allegedly brandished a railroad spike and struck the victim in the head with it.

Police said Rosell fled and the victim was taken for emergency hospital treatment. Rosell “was subsequently apprehended without any additional altercations or injuries,” the NOPD said.

Fox 8 has requested Rosell’s booking photo from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The attack is at least the third incidence of serious violence in the French Quarter in the past eight days.

On June 22, 39-year-old Florida tourist Christopher Oatts Jr. died after being shot in the 600 block of Bourbon Street. And early Sunday, a woman was fatally shot while sitting inside a vehicle at Royal and St. Peter streets. Her identity has not been disclosed.

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