Condolences to the family of Mr. Gibbs.
Larry
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans police say a conductor was shot and killed during a robbery on a freight train that had stopped for other rail traffic in New Orleans.
The westbound CSX train was waiting for permission to move forward on the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when the suspect got on, shot the 52-year-old conductor and ran away.
New Orleans Police Officer Hilal Williams wouldn't say what was stolen. She says it was "pretty bizarre." The shooting occurred in the city's Lakeview neighborhood, just west of City Park. The conductor, a CSX employee, was shot several times and died at the scene. His name wasn't released.
CSX spokeswoman Carla Groleau says the train was carrying shipping containers with mixed freight from Atlanta.
Follow-up:
The conductor has been identified as Fred Gibbs of Mississippi.
Police say the train was traveling west and came to a mandatory stop due to traffic delays on the railroad. As the crew awaited for approval to move forward, the suspect boarded and attempted to commit a robbery.
Gibbs was shot and pronounced dead on scene. The suspect got away.
A CSX spokesperson released a statement saying, "Sometime after midnight, a CSX employee was fatally shot. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this difficult time. CSX police are working with law enforcement to assist with the investigation."
If you have any information, please call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/21/2010 07:44PM by Larry.