New Orleans man arrested after allegedly almost severing mother’s arm with chain saw

NEW ORLEANS (TCN) -- Two officers and a 70-year-old woman were injured after a 34-year-old man allegedly attacked his mother with a chain saw, nearly cutting off her arm.

According to New Orleans Police Department spokesman Reese Harper, on Tuesday, July 23, at approximately 2 p.m., officers responded to the 1200 block of Riviera Street in the city’s Gentilly neighborhood and found a woman "suffering from a severed arm." Paramedics arrived at the scene and transported the victim to the hospital, where she is in critical condition.

Later, officers went to a residence on the 3500 block of Franklin Avenue and arrested the suspect, John Pittman. Two officers sustained injuries during the arrest and were also taken to local hospitals for treatment. WDSU-TV reports one officer fell down the stairs, broke her leg, and hurt her neck and head. The other police officer was reportedly bitten on the arm.

Orleans Parish court records show Pittman is being charged with attempted first-degree murder, battery of police officer, resisting an officer, and disarming a peace officer.

According to WVUE-TV, Pittman was arrested in August and later released on bond for reportedly attacking a Marine Corps veteran at the train station. The man sustained a fractured eye socket and jawbone. He is facing second-degree battery and simple battery of the infirm charges related to that case.

The mother’s arm was reportedly barely attached when police arrived, but doctors managed to save the limb.

Pittman reportedly was prescribed medication for mental health problems but was not taking it at the time of the attack.

Pittman’s bond is set at over $1 million.

One of his neighbor’s told WVUE, "That’s crazy. It’s the same stuff you see on TV."

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