New Orleans investigators now say they are scrutinizing more than one person in the deadly shooting that rattled Dooky Chase’s last Friday night, a burst of violence that left a 19-year-old man dead and three out-of-town women wounded, according to police. Officers said the gunfire erupted as the young man, chased by others, ran into the restaurant’s foyer and collapsed. No arrests have been announced as detectives pull video and chase down witness tips.
What Happened at Dooky Chase
The Lens reported that police responded around 8 p.m. last Friday to the 6th Ward after gunfire was reported near the restaurant. According to officers, a 19-year-old man ran into the North Miro Street entrance at 2301 Orleans Ave and collapsed in the foyer, and surveillance footage captured the shooting. The outlet identified the victim as Kareem Harris and said three bystanders, women visiting New Orleans, were also hit and taken to hospitals.
Authorities Widen the Probe
A law-enforcement source told WVUE on Friday that investigators are now looking into more than one person in connection with the attack. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick had earlier said there was a single shooter but that others may have been involved, and police are asking residents to check door-cam and phone footage for clues, as reported by WAFB. Authorities have not released details about possible accomplices or specific locations tied to the investigation.
Reopening and Community Response
Dooky Chase reopened for service the following Tuesday with a blessing ceremony and an armed security presence as Mayor Helena Moreno and other leaders visited to show support, WDSU reported. Members of the Chase family thanked the city for its outpouring of prayers and assistance, and victim-witness counselors were on site to support staff. The scene underscored how the historic Creole institution functions as both a neighborhood anchor and a civic landmark.
Reward and How to Help
Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans has increased the reward for information to $13,500, and NOPD urged anyone with video or tips to call Crime Stoppers, WAFB reported. Police emphasized that even brief clips or descriptions of vehicles could be crucial to identifying those involved. Tips may be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 822.
What Investigators Still Need to Determine
Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or disclosed a motive, and the investigation remains active, according to People. Officials have described the attack as targeted toward the slain teen rather than the restaurant itself, and detectives are reviewing footage from nearby businesses and phones to build a timeline. City leaders said the community’s priority is supporting the victims and the restaurant while detectives work to bring those responsible to justice.
