A Louisiana police officer who provided security at a high school basketball game in New Orleans was shot dead after a mask-related dispute, authorities said, and a suspect was immediately arrested.
Tulane University police officer Martinus Mitchum was shot Friday while working at George Washington Carver High School in the 3000-acre block of Higgins Boulevard, New Orleans police said.
Eight-year-old John Shallerhorn was booked early Saturday for armed robbery and murder of a first-degree police officer, Fox 8 reported, citing Orleans Parish Sheriff’s prison records.
GEORGE FLOYD: MINNEAPOLIS PAYS SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCES TO DISTRIBUTE MESSAGES DURING DEREK CHAUVIN TRIAL
After arriving at the high school on Friday, Shallerhorn allegedly robbed a 39-year-old man sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot, lifted his shirt to swing a firearm and claimed the victim’s medal chain, police said.
The victim handed the chain to Shallerhorn, who then tried to enter the school but was stopped because he was not wearing a mask.
Tulane University police officer Corporal Martinus Mitchum was fatally shot on Feb. 26 while working as a security guard for a high school basketball game in New Orleans. (Tulane University)
According to police, a physical altercation ensued with a school employee before Mitchum intervened and escorted Shallerhorn.
Shallerhorn, when he left, allegedly shot the officer twice. He placed the firearm on the ground and was arrested, police said.
GEORGIA DEPUTY QUICKLY IN CRITICAL CONDITION, ANOTHER SCREEN IN SHOOTING; MANHUNT ON THE WAY: REPORTS
Before Mitchum’s name was announced, New Orleans police spokesman Shaun Ferguson said the victim was also a reserve officer for the 2nd city constable.
John Shallerhorn, 35, is charged with armed robbery and first-degree murder of a police officer. (Sheriff’s Office in Orleans)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic death of TUPD Corporal Martinus Mitchum,” Tulane Police Chief Kirk Bouyelas said in a later statement. “Corporal Mitchum was a dedicated policeman who had a cordial service to the Tulane community. We reached out to his family and supported his fellow officers during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with all the fellow officers with whom he served. ‘
According to records, Shallerhorn was arrested earlier in August 2019 for alleged immoral behavior with a juvenile, but the Orleans Parish District Attorney denied the charge in November 2019.