A 70-year-old woman is in critical condition after being attacked with a chainsaw by her son, 34-year-old John Pittman, in New Orleans, Louisiana’s Gentilly Terrace neighborhood on Monday afternoon, July 22, 2024. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reported that the incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on Franklin Avenue.
The victim, whose arm was nearly severed, managed to flee to a relative’s house in the Fillmore area before being transported to the hospital. She remains in critical condition as doctors work to save her limb.
During his violent arrest, Pittman had to be subdued with a stun gun, lost a tooth and had other minor injuries. He was booked into the Orleans Parish jail on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, battery of a police officer, resisting an officer, and disarming a peace officer. Neighbors indicated that Pittman and the victim are mother and son.
“This is very shocking,” said Tawain Crockett, a neighbor who has lived in the area for six years. She believed that Pittman had mental health issues and had not been taking his medication.
Two NOPD officers were also injured during the incident. One officer sustained a broken leg, head, and neck injuries after falling down a flight of stairs. Pittman bit the other officer during the arrest. Both officers were taken to a hospital and have since been released.
According to NOPD communications director Reese Harper, detectives are still gathering information to determine a motive for the attack.
A media outlet confirmed Pittman’s open case in Orleans Criminal District Court. He was free on a $10,000 bond after being arrested on August 12, 2023 for second-degree battery and simple battery of the infirm. This previous arrest involved an incident at Union Passenger Terminal, where Pittman allegedly assaulted a 73-year-old military veteran in the restroom. The victim was left with a fractured eye socket and jawbone, and security guards at the bus station detained Pittman until police arrived. Despite the severity of the attack, Pittman was released on bond, which authorities later described as “extremely low” given his apparent danger to the community.
Speaking at a court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Derbes said that Pittman had no prior criminal record before the August 2023 incident. However, the recent chainsaw attack has increased Pittman’s bond to over $1 million.
Pittman’s defense attorney, Garron Johnson, indicated plans to meet with his client later that day. Johnson has previously stated that Pittman’s mental health issues played a significant role in both the August 2023 and the recent attacks.
The community remains on edge as they await further updates on the condition of the victim and the legal proceedings against Pittman.