NOLA Police Statement on Allee Bautsch and Joe Brown Attack

Via NOLA, a statement on the Allee Bautsch attack:

New Orleans police are asking for assistance finding suspects who participated in a French Quarter fight on Friday that led to the injury of a campaign aide to Gov. Bobby Jindal, as well as her boyfriend.

The news release issued by New Orleans police Tuesday evening does not identify Allee Baustch or her boyfriend, but notes that the 25-year-old female victim and the 28-year-old male victim were attacked in the 600 block of St.  Louis Street after leaving an event at a restaurant in the 400 block of Royal Street.
Jindal's office acknowledged on Monday that Bautsch, his chief campaign fundraiser, was recovering from a broken leg after an altercation with a group of people in the Quarter on Friday night. Bautsch was attacked after a fundraiser for the Louisiana Republican Party at Brennan's Restaurant, 417 Royal Street, the governor's office said.

The 600 block of St. Louis Street, which is where the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel and Louisiana Supreme Court are located, is less than two blocks from Brennan's.

New Orleans police say that the incident began about 10:45 p.m. when a group of three to five men made "derogatory comments" to Bautsch and her boyfriend. When the man described as the male victim "turned toward" the group of men, at least one of the men struck him repeatedly. The woman "fell to the ground and screamed," the news release said.

Police released a description of one suspect, saying he was in his 20s, looked "dirty," and wore his hair in an auburn-colored ponytail. The man was 6 feet, 1 inch tall with a thin build, police said. He wore a light-colored T-shirt and dark pants.

Officers in the area responded and requested EMS assistance. The woman used her purse as a pillow while waiting for help. Once she was in the ambulance, the woman realized her purse was missing, the release said.
Kyle Plotkin, a Jindal spokesman, said Bautsch had surgery during the weekend and is facing a recovery time of two to three months. According to the NOPD news release, Bautsch's friend was treated at the hospital for a mild concussion, broken jaw and broken nose.

"NOPD is investigating the incident and we are refraining from further comment to allow them to fully investigate and ensure justice is done," Plotkin said Monday. "Our prayers are with Allee. She is a strong person and we are sure she will make a speedy recovery."

Police have not yet determined whether any surveillance cameras recorded the incident. While The Times-Picayune has requested a copy of the initial NOPD incident report, the news release stated that the report is not yet available.

Eighth District Sgt. Nicholas Gernon is in charge of the investigation. People with information are asked to call Crimestoppers at 822.1111 or 1.877.903.7867. 

So there you have it.  For now.

Previously:

Don't Jump to Conclusions on the Allee Bautsch Story

(H/T:  The Hayride)