Ranger Assaulted During Altercation With Drunk

On the afternoon of December 13th, ranger Mike Callais was working a special detail at the French Quarter Visitor Center, providing security for the annual DesCours contemporary architecture and visual arts event. He saw an intoxicated man enter the park courtyard, where visitors were present, and knock over one of the DesCours displays. When Callais approached him, he saw that the man was exposing himself by urinating in the open courtyard. Callais ordered him to place his hands behind his back, but he refused to comply and also refused to show his hands. An altercation ensued. The man then turned away from Callais and reached into his pants; Callais responded by drawing his weapon and ordering the man to desist. The man continued to shout profanity, though, and challenged the ranger to use force on him. Callais called for assistance and city officers responded and helped with the arrest. The case will be presented to the United State’s Attorney’s Office for follow-up.