Suspect named in shooting of garda in New Orleans

Police have released the name of a suspect in the shooting of garda Brian Hanrahan, who was gunned down and robbed while on holiday in New Orleans.

Police are treating the shooting as attempted murder. The New Orleans Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for 40-year-old Melvin Galle Jr, local news service Fox 8 said.

Garda Hanrahan, who was off duty, was shot in the lower back and leg on a street on January 27.

At approximately 5.40am, police officers were alerted to the gun attack. When officers arrived, they found Garda Hanrahan, 30, lying in the driveway of a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. One bullet went straight through one if his legs. The other travelled through his lower spine injuring his spleen and other internal organs.

According to the police report, Garda Hanrahan — originally from Killenaule, Co Tipperary, but stationed in Newcastle West, Co Limerick — told police he met a man who brought him to the area on the premise of attending a late night bar.

After withdrawing $200 (€175) from an ATM, Garda Hanrahan was confronted by another man. When he refused to hand over his wallet, he was shot twice. The two suspects proceeded to search his pockets and fled on foot with his wallet.

Garda Hanrahan’s wife Emma Holland, and his mother Rose, have flown to be with him and his father Brian Sr, as the young garda recovers in hospital.

Police have offered a cash reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and detention of anyone responsible.

“You do not have to give your name nor testify to receive the reward.

“Citizens can also submit an anonymous tip online to Crimestoppers at: www.crimestoppersgno.org,” the NOPD stated.