NEW ORLEANS — A 19-year-old man was fatally shot while seeking refuge in the renowned Dooky Chase’s restaurant late Friday evening. The victim has been identified by family members as Kareem Harris, a high school senior expected to graduate from Livingston Collegiate Academy in 2024.
New Orleans police reported that the incident occurred around 8 p.m. as Harris was being chased by a gunman. In a desperate attempt to escape the attack, he entered the restaurant’s foyer, where the shooter followed him and opened fire. Harris was struck fatally while three women, tourists waiting to be seated, were also injured in the barrage of gunfire.
Emergency services declared Harris dead at the scene, located just a short distance from his residence in the Treme neighborhood. Among the bystanders, two women were hospitalized in critical condition. As of Saturday morning, no updates were provided by police regarding their status.
Harris’s sister shared that the family was still grappling with the shock of the loss and was not ready to discuss the tragedy publicly. Friends and relatives are mourning the young man’s untimely death, reflecting on his aspirations and potential.
Darlene Cusanza, CEO of Crimestoppers GNO, announced on Saturday that the organization is increasing its reward to $5,000 for information leading to the apprehension of the person responsible for the shooting. The community is urged to come forward with any details that might assist authorities in their investigation.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Crimestoppers hotline at (504) 822-1111 or (877) 903-STOP, and they are also accepted online.
The incident has sparked concern over the safety of public spaces in New Orleans, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. Dooky Chase’s restaurant, known for its rich cultural history and contributions to the community, has become an unwitting part of this tragic event.
Community leaders and activists emphasize the need for increased efforts to address violence in the city, urging both citizens and law enforcement to work together to prevent similar tragedies in the future.