New Orleans, La. -- New Orleans police are investigating two recent carjackings and two armed robberies, all minutes from each other in the Uptown area. The latest incidents happened Monday night, less than a mile apart.
"It's a little different when it happens right down the street from you," said Christian Sheline.
Sheline and his family live on Nelson Street in the Fontainebleau neighborhood Uptown.
"My wife and I were saying it was concerning, we were concerned about something happening so close, in where we consider to be a really safe neighborhood," said Sheline.
Police say, around 10:35 Monday night in the 7700 block of Nelson, someone was carjacked at gunpoint after parking their Toyota Camry. Two men in their early 20's went up to the car after the victim was parked, and demanded the keys. After the keys were dropped to the ground, the two men fled in the victim's car.
"My kids play right here in the street several nights a week, and so you know, it's kind of concerning that something like that with a gun, is happening just one block away from where they're out playing kick ball," said Sheline.
"Oh, it's very upsetting, very intimidating and upsetting, when you hear something violent going on in your neighborhood," said Nellie Watson.
Watson lives across the street from Sheline, and was just coming home from out of town. She says there have been violent incidents in the neighborhood, but not this close to home.
"I mean, there have been some burglaries, of course, and some break-ins in the larger area, but, no I've never heard of that," said Watson.
15 minutes before the Nelson Street carjacking, and less than a mile away on Maple Street, police say two people were robbed at gunpoint as they were getting in their car.
"I don't know, it's kind of scary, just knowing that a lot of young people are out here, but I guess people have to be safer, and put themselves in groups more, so they won't put themselves in these situations," said college student, Sarah Granen.
In the 7700 block of Maple, police say three men got out of a dark-colored car parked in front of them and approached the victims. After one of the suspects pulled a black handgun and shouted demands, both victims ran, one dropping her purse to the ground.
Police also are investigating another carjacking in the 1800 block of Audubon Street, and a second armed robbery near the intersection of Audubon and Burthe Streets.
"You need to be cautious coming and going, at all times," said Watson.
"Yes, I'm sure my wife and I will be watching a little more closely," said Sheline.
2nd District Cmdr. Paul Noel says there is a possibility the Maple Street armed robbery and the Nelson Street carjacking are related. He says investigators are still trying to determine if all four incidents are connected.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
1800 block of Audubon Street, site of a carjacking Monday
