A New Orleans sheriff’s deputy required urgent medical attention after being hit by a vehicle while managing traffic in the aftermath of Super Bowl LIX. The driver fled the scene, and authorities have launched an ongoing investigation, according to New Orleans station 4WWL.
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The incident took place around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Poydras Street and Convention Center Boulevard, just a few blocks from the Superdome, according to the New Orleans Police Department. While assisting with post-game traffic control, an East Baton Rouge Parish deputy was injured when a dually truck struck his ankle with one of its rear tires.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to treat the injured deputy, whose condition remained unclear as of Sunday night. Later, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the deputy is expected to recover, though he will likely need surgery to address his ankle injury.
The New Orleans Police found the truck about an hour after the hit-and-run and collected toxicology samples to help with the investigation.
Authorities Were on High Alert for the Super Bowl Following New Year’s Terrorist Attack
Of course, after the tragic New Year’s attack in New Orleans, law enforcement stayed on high alert during the Super Bowl, implementing increased security measures.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a terrorist influenced by ISIS drove an electric pickup truck into a crowd of pedestrians on Bourbon Street. He tragically claimed 14 lives and injured dozens more. Notably, the protective bollards that once safeguarded the district had been removed for upgrades and replacement in preparation for the upcoming Super Bowl.
However, new barriers and wedges were in place for Sunday’s game, New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO reported last week.
On the same day as the attack in New Orleans, a soldier in Las Vegas died by suicide after shooting himself and detonating a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump Hotel. Several people sustained minor injuries.
Due to the New Year’s attacks, authorities kept a close eye on electric vehicles during the Super Bowl. According to a law enforcement document obtained by ABC News, electric vehicles were flagged as “attractive options” for attacks. This is because they are quieter, accelerate faster, and are typically much heavier than standard combustion engine vehicles.
The French Quarter implemented an enhanced security zone, complete with checkpoints at every entry to screen for explosives. Coolers and ice chests were not permitted, and bags or containers exceeding 4.5 by 6.5 inches were subject to inspection.
New Orleans will also implement a state of emergency for Mardi Gras on March 4.