NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The Causeway Police Department has released the name of the driver who shot himself while being pursued by officers on the 24 mile bridge this morning.
Rothschild Woods, a 29 year-old man from Baton Rouge, ran through a closed lane of the toll plaza in a rented 2016 Jeep Compass, according to a press release.
As Causeway Police pursued Woods southbound across the bridge, he fired several gunshots inside the vehicle, according to the report, although investigators have not yet determined if Woods was firing at the pursuing police cars.
After hitting two rails, Woods’ vehicle came to a stop near the 12 mile mark, and officers found him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
No Causeway Police officers discharged their weapons during the pursuit.
Woods was rushed to University Hospital, where he is currently listed in critical condition.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has taken over the investigation. Detectives are attempting to piece together Woods’ movements before the incident.