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City Council member in Louisiana nearly run over outside Walmart, police say

KENNER, La. — A Louisiana man is accused of using his car to try and run over a Kenner City Council member at a Walmart last week, authorities said.

Thomas Nasser, 36, of River Ridge, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, two counts of hit-and-run driving and resisting arrest, according to online records with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Nasser is accused of attempting to run over Council member Mike Sigur, 68, a retired police officer who works as a security officer at Walmart in Kenner, NOLA.com reported. Sigur confronted Nasser after an alleged shoplifting attempt, the website reported.

According to an arrest affidavit, Nasser went to the Walmart on Aug. 5 with a friend. Nasser dropped off his friend, who returned to the truck moments later and urged him to “Go, go, go,” according to the affidavit.

An officer in uniform later identified as Sigur, ordered Nasser to stop. Nasser, however, backed up, struck a curb and then headed toward Sigur, NOLA.com reported. After Sigur drew his pistol, Nasser backed up the truck and struck two vehicles. He then again headed toward Sigur, striking him on the arm with the truck’s passenger side mirror, the website reported.

According to the affidavit, Nasser admitted trying to help his friend but denied intending to run over Sigur.

Nasser remained in custody at the Jefferson Parish Jail Tuesday. Bail was set at $101,500. If convicted, Nasser would face between 20 years and 50 years in prison, NOLA.com reported.

Sigur, who worked for 33 years on Kenner’s police force, declined comment. He is serving his second four-year term as a Kenner City Council member.