Neighbors respond to 8-hour standoff in New Orleans East, suspect arrested

NEW ORLEANS – “I heard gunshots and I was really scared,” Joeella Bastine said.

Nine-year-old Joeella Bastine describes watching an eight-hour standoff with police right outside her window in New Orleans East.

“It was really scary,” Bastine said.

According to NOPD, it began with federal agents investigating a suspect in an aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery near the 7000 block of Lawrence Road.

The man allegedly shot a federal officer and then barricaded himself in the Willow Apartments.

“We go outside and there are police cars everywhere,” said Joeella’s father, Ronnie Bastine.

During the day-long standoff, parts of the building were sealed off and other parts were evacuated.

“They wouldn’t even let us out. I couldn’t even walk my dog,” Bastine said.

A video shot by a resident shows a SWAT team climbing into an apartment window and pointing their weapons at the ceiling.

At around 6 p.m., the NOPD finally arrested 32-year-old Hector Flores, who was not injured.

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says safety is a top priority.

“This is so important that we want to make sure that not only our officers, our communities, but even the person who was involved in the shooting is safe and healthy,” NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. “Safety and well-being truly come first.” ”

Ronnie Bastine doesn't feel safe and hopes his daughter never hears gunshots again.

“My moral concern is for my daughter. She’s nine,” Bastine said.

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