Two individuals have been detained in relation to the fatal shooting at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, as the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) disclosed in a recent update. The incident saw the tragic death of 19-year-old Kareem Harris and injuries to three visiting women, shaking the city and its historic culinary landmark. According to WDSU News, Harris was caught in the crossfire and entered the restaurant seeking refuge when he was shot.
On Wednesday, NOPD made headway in the investigation, leading to the arrest of 19-year-old Makahi Kelly, booked on a second-degree murder charge, and 22-year-old Anthony Johnson Jr., facing multiple charges, including principal to second-degree murder. This news was collected from FOX 8 Live reporting as well. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick expressed in a preceding press announcement that the unfortunate event seemed targeted, yet the restaurant itself and the Chase family were not the intended victims. Details were also shared by WDSU News.
The shooting has caused widespread reaction, leading to an increased reward offer of $13,500 by Crimestoppers of GNO to entice public assistance, as reported by WDSU News. In a demonstration of resilience and community, the restaurant promptly reopened with a prayer vigil, emphasizing its enduring role as a hub of gathering, culture, and care, a sentiment echoed in a statement released by the Chase family obtained by WDSU News.
Further insights into the arrests were provided by NOPD Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon, who mentioned that Kelly was located in the 4600 block of Americus Street, where police uncovered items linked to the shooting after serving a search warrant, and Johnson was found in the 2700 block of North Galvez Street associated with a vehicle involved in the crime, a revelation shared by NOLA.com. The two arrests came swiftly after NOPD had disseminated photos of the persons of interest, which underscores the rapid and emphatic response by the law enforcement agencies to this profound disruption of peace within the community, information which was found on the pages of NOLA.com.
