The New Orleans Police Department has released the identity of the suspect who twice shot Irish police officer Brian Hanrahan while he was on vacation with his father.
A warrant is now out for the arrest of 40-year-old Melvin Galle Jr. for attempted murder and armed robbery.
Officers received a call about a shooting at 5:40 am on January 27 and arrived on the scene to find 32-year-old Hanrahan face down in a driveway. He had one bullet hole through his leg and another through his lower spine that damaged his spleen and other internal organs, said Breaking News.
Hanrahan is in recovery, and his wife Emma and his mother Rose flew in to be with him and his father in the hospital. He underwent surgery to remove the bullet in his lower back.
Officers have offered a cash reward of $2,500 for any information pertaining to the suspects.
"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.
On the night of the shooting, the Tipperary man had been out drinking with his father in the bustling French Quarter. They were on a road trip through the US.
When his father went back to the hotel, Hanrahan met a stranger who offered to take him to a party in the Seventh Ward, about two miles away from the French Quarter. Hanrahan retrieved $200 from a nearby ATM and embarked on the dark walk with the unknown male.
Once they reached the Seventh Ward, Hanrahan was approached by two men who demanded his money. When he refused, Galle allegedly shot twice, took Hanrahan’s belongings and fled on foot.
It is still unclear whether the individual who brought Hanrahan to this location was involved with the attempted robbery.
Police continue to seek help identifying the second subject involved in the robbery and shooting.
Before Melvin Galle Jr. was identified, police officers created composite sketches of two possible suspects:
According to the police description, the gunman was a black male in his late 30s or early 40s. The other suspect is also described as a black male in his 30s, about 5 feet 8 inches in height. Police believe this man had facial stubble at the time of the shooting, which included grey hair, and he was wearing a grey baseball cap.
Over $5,000 has been raised for the Hanrahan family’s travel and medical expenses by local police departments and various New Orleans Irish organizations.
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