New Orleans — A shooting at Dooky Chase Restaurant in the Tremé/Lafitte neighborhood left one man dead and three women injured Friday night, according to local law enforcement officials. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) continues to search for the perpetrator.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the 2300 block of Orleans Avenue. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the event as a “targeted situation” involving an individual who ran into the restaurant after being shot. Unfortunately, the attacker continued firing, striking those nearby who were not the intended victims.
“The person targeted entered the restaurant and collapsed,” Kirkpatrick said. “Regrettably, the shooter persisted, resulting in injuries to innocent patrons who were simply inside the establishment at the wrong time.”
At the time of the shooting, the victims were situated in a waiting area near the entrance of the restaurant, separated by a closed door from the main dining space. Kirkpatrick clarified that while the victims were inside, they remained outside the dining area, waiting for a table or a ride.
The deceased was identified as a 19-year-old local resident. “He is from this neighborhood, and our condolences go out to his family amid these tragic circumstances,” added Kirkpatrick.
Among the injured, two women are reported to be in critical condition, one of whom is undergoing surgery. The third victim is in stable condition. All three are visiting New Orleans, and city officials have expressed their sympathy and support for the victims and their families.
NOPD, in collaboration with federal authorities, is actively investigating the shooting and has obtained surveillance footage from the scene. The suspect, described as an African American male in a black hoodie, briefly left the area, returned, and then fled back into the neighborhood, Kirkpatrick noted.
Mayor Helena Moreno, who visited the restaurant after the shooting, reiterated that Dooky Chase was not the target of the attack. “I want to express my prayers for the victims; one has tragically lost their life, and three others have been injured,” she said at a press conference.
Moreno emphasized the restaurant’s long-standing history in the community, highlighting that it has been a safe gathering place for 85 years. “This was a very targeted event directed at a specific person,” she remarked, adding that she has reached out to the restaurant’s owners and staff to provide support during this distressing time.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities encourage anyone with further information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and local detectives are focused on bringing the suspect to justice while ensuring safety remains a priority for the city.