A tragic incident occurred on Friday evening at Dooky Chase’s restaurant in Treme, New Orleans, where one man was killed and three women were injured in a shooting. According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), the incident took place around 8:01 p.m. at 2301 Orleans Ave., prompting immediate investigation into what is being treated as a homicide.
The victim, identified as 19-year-old Kareem Harris, died at the scene after being fatally shot inside the restaurant’s foyer. The three women injured in the shooting were transported to a local hospital, with two reported in critical condition and the third in stable condition. All surviving victims were noted to be visitors to New Orleans.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick indicated that the shooting was a targeted attack on Harris, who sought refuge in the restaurant while being pursued. The assailant followed him inside, continuing to fire and inadvertently hitting innocent bystanders in the process. Eyewitness reports and surveillance footage have been collected, allowing police to describe the shooter as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, who remains at large.
In response to the violence, Crimestoppers announced they are offering a doubled reward of $5,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the shooter. Tips may be submitted anonymously, and the authorities continue to seek leads to identify the individual responsible for this senseless act.
Mayor Helena Moreno emphasized that Dooky Chase’s has operated successfully for 85 years without similar incidents and reiterated that the restaurant itself was not the intended target of the shooting. Investigators are diligently working to gather evidence and information to understand the motive behind the attack. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death following an autopsy and family notification.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at (877) 903-STOP, or submit tips online at www.crimestoppersgno.org.