US police name suspect in garda shooting

Police have released the name of a suspect in the shooting of garda Brian Hanrahan who was shot and robbed as he enjoyed a holiday in New Orleans.

Police are treating the shooting as attempted murder.

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) have issued an arrest warrant for 40-year-old Melvin Galle Jnr, local news service Fox 8 said.

Garda Hanrahan, who was off duty and enjoying the city’s Mardi Gras annual celebrations, was shot in the lower back and leg in the 2200 block of New Orleans Street on January 27th.

At approximately 5.40am Fifth District 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 to the body. 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 into the shooting 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 from an ATM, Garda Hanrahan was confronted by another man on New Orleans Street. When he refused to hand over his wallet the off duty Garda 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 Snr, 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.