NEW ORLEANS — A shooting at the iconic Dooky Chase Restaurant on Friday night left one man dead and three others injured, prompting an urgent search for the suspect. The New Orleans Police Department responded quickly to reports of gunfire around 8 p.m. in the 2300 block of Orleans Avenue, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural history.
Upon arrival, officers found four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds: three women and one man. Tragically, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The three injured victims—two critically hurt and one in stable condition—were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
During a press conference, Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick indicated that the shooting seemed to be a targeted attack against a 26-year-old man. Witnesses recounted a chaotic scene, where the intended victim fled into the restaurant, pursued by the shooter. The assailant reportedly opened fire inside the establishment, striking innocent bystanders gathered in the foyer.
The historical restaurant, beloved in the community and operational for 85 years, has not seen such violence before, raising concerns among local residents and patrons. Kirkpatrick noted that the restaurant had a reputation for safety, and the gravity of the incident was particularly unsettling.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, briefly returning before disappearing again. The three people who were injured were visiting from out of town, which adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. The police are treating the case as a homicide and are actively collecting evidence to identify the shooter and determine the motive behind the attack.
Authorities have called upon the public to assist in the investigation. Individuals with any information are urged to reach out to the NOPD Homicide Section or to contact Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans anonymously.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to confirm the identity of the deceased and ascertain the cause of death. Community members are left shaken, reflecting on the violence that can erupt in spaces typically associated with joy and togetherness. Investigators are committed to unraveling the details surrounding this tragic event.