New Orleans Police Officer Shot, Killed While On Patrol

NEW ORLEANS, LA — A New Orleans police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty early Friday and the accused gunman was taken into custody, city officials said.

The officer was shot to death while on patrol in New Orleans East around 12:15 a.m., NOLA.com reported. The officer, along with three others, were patrolling the area when they saw something that aroused their suspicion and exited a police car. According to the news report, a gunman opened fire and struck one of the officers "several times."

The accused gunman was also struck and surrendered himself to a SWAT team. He was taken to the hospital. (For more information on this story and other local news, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Police identified the fallen officer as 29-year-old Marcus McNeil. The officer had been with the department for three years and was assigned to the Seventh District. McNeil is survived by his wife and two children, aged five and two.

An internal investigation into the shooting is underway.

Image via NOPD