Gretna man booked with aggravated second degree battery, along with other charges, after he shot a Chalmette man in leg

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the United States Marshals Service and the Major Crimes Task Force, arrested a Gretna man who shot a Chalmette man in the leg during a domestic altercation that took place on March 13 in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said. Narcotics and a handgun also were seized following the arrest.

Andrew Francis, 33, of the 1200 block of Truxton Street in Gretna, was booked March 15 with aggravated second degree battery, as well as possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of Diazepam, possession of Codeine, possession of Alprazol, possession of MDMA (Ecstasy), possession of Cycloben, possession of Sevelame, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shortly before 2 p.m. on March 13, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a male being shot in the leg in the 3500 block of LaPlace Street in Chalmette. When deputies arrived on the scene, they came in contact with the victim who was suffering from a single gunshot wound to his upper left thigh.

Francis, who was later identified as the shooter, fled the scene and an arrest warrant was issued.

The victim was transported to University Hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in stable condition.

Francis’ sister, Chanel McGinnis, 32, of the 8100 block of West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette, was arrested March 13 in connection with the case and booked with principal to second degree aggravated battery and obstruction of justice.

Sheriff Pohlmann said no one else was injured during the altercation and this was an isolated incident.

Following Francis’ arrest for the shooting, a search warrant was executed on his Gretna home, where the drugs and a Glock .40 caliber handgun were recovered.

Francis’ live-in girlfriend, Areial LaSalle, 35, also was booked March 15 with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of Diazepam, possession of Codeine, possession of Alprazol, possession of MDMA (Ecstasy), possession of Cycloben, possession of Sevelame, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Francis and LaSalle were transported to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Facility. McGinnis was released March 15 from St. Bernard Parish Prison on a $25,000 bond.