A police officer working security outside a high school basketball game in New Orleans on Friday was shot and killed by a man who was denied entry to the game for not wearing a mask.
According to Nola.com, Tulane University Police Cpl. Martinus Mitchum intervened in an altercation between a George Washington Carver High School staff member who was checking temperatures and making sure people were wearing face coverings, and John Shallerhorn, 35, who was denied entry to the game for refusing to wear a mask.
Shallerhorn allegedly hit the staffer in the face, prompting Mitchum to intervene. That’s when he drew his gun and shot the cop twice in the chest. Mitchum was pronounced dead at the hospital.
After the shooting Shallerhorn turned himself over to deputies who were also at the event.
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic death of TUPD Corporal Martinus Mitchum. Corporal Mitchum was a dedicated police professional who had a heart of service for the Tulane community,” Tulane University Police Chief Kirk Bouyelas said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with all the fellow officers with whom he served.”
According to Nola.com Shallerhorn is also accused of robbing a man of his medallion chain at gunpoint in the parking lot of the high school prior to the deadly shooting.
He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder of a policeman and armed robbery.
