A New Orleans police officer was found dead in his patrol car on Sunday, and the officer, working for the New Orleans Housing Authority was shot and killed, said police authorities, CNN reported.
Authorities also said that the officer, who has yet to be identified until the family has been notified, was working extra hours watching over a public housing construction site when he was murdered, Fox News reported.
The officer, 45, was a member of the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) for two years, according to the police statement. As a HANO police officer, he was responsible for investigating complaints, maintaining order, helping people and identifying criminals. The officers also have the authority to carry out unplanned physical tasks such as restraining and holding down violent individuals, running, climbing fences and responding to EMS and rescue emergencies.
"The death of this HANO police officer is an unspeakable tragedy, and a vile and cowardly act. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts and prayers are with the officer's friends and family and with the entire HANO family during this very difficult time," Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement, ABC News reported. "NOPD and HANO will work very closely to identify and arrest those responsible for this heinous assault. NOPD and HANO are part of the same close-knit law enforcement family that puts their lives on the line to protect and serve the people of New Orleans. Never are we more aware of the risk they face every day than we are on terrible days like this."
