New Orleans, Louisiana – A shooting incident at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in Treme on Friday night left one man dead and three women injured. The violence unfolded around 8 p.m., prompting a swift response from authorities.
Witnesses reported that a 19-year-old man sought refuge inside the popular establishment, pursued by an assailant who followed him in and opened fire. As the chaos erupted, three patrons in the vicinity were struck by gunfire. Video footage collected by law enforcement reportedly captures the shooting and the moments that followed.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, present at the scene, confirmed the tragic outcome: the young man succumbed to his injuries almost immediately, while the three injured women were rushed to a local hospital. Of those, two were reported to be in critical condition, and one was listed as stable.
Kirkpatrick noted that the shooting appeared to be a targeted attack, emphasizing that the restaurant and its patrons were not the intended targets. “It was unfortunate to see innocent bystanders affected,” she remarked, reiterating the importance of community safety.
The suspect, described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, briefly returned to the restaurant after the initial shooting before fleeing again. Kirkpatrick appealed to the community for assistance, urging residents to check their security cameras for any evidence and to come forward with information about the shooter.
The victim, a local resident, had family members present at the scene, visibly distraught over the senseless act of violence. Mayor Helena Moreno visited the location later that evening, underscoring the restaurant’s reputation as a cherished community fixture. “In its 85 years, there has never been an incident like this,” she conveyed to reporters, emphasizing that such acts disturb the community’s sense of safety.
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement coordinated with federal agencies to apprehend the individual responsible. Officers cordoned off the area, examining evidence, including bullet casings found outside the restaurant, as they collected vital information that could lead to an arrest.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will determine the identity of the deceased following an autopsy and notify the family accordingly. The impact of this incident will resonate within the neighborhood, as residents grapple with the realities of gun violence amid their community’s rich heritage.