Category: News

Sewage system cited as possible cause for Dec. 16 explosion on Dauphine

Officials cited methane gas as a cause for the Dec. 16 explosion near Dauphine and Toulouse streets, local media reported.

The explosion, which reportedly occurred at approximately 5 a.m. on Dec. 16, caused an audible “boom” and blew three manhole covers. A video posted to social media shows a car on fire after the explosion.

Terry Ebbert, New Orleans Director of Public Safety and Security, reportedly told WWLTV that fumes from waste somehow ignited and erupted with flames near Toulouse and Dauphine.

WWLTV reported that the State Fire Marshal’s office indicated a faulty Entergy electrical line may have caused the explosion.

Entergy, the New Orleans Fire and Police departments and EMS vehicles reportedly arrived on scene and closed the block to the public.

No injuries were reported.

Police seek help identifying man wanted in connection to Dec. 9 simple robbery on St. Louis Street

Courtesy of the New Orleans Police Department.

Police are asking the public’s help in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in connection to a simple robbery that occurred in the 900 block of St. Louis St. on Dec. 9, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) said.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:05 a.m., the NOPD said.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 877-903-7867.

South Rampart shooting suspect sought by NOPD

A man captured on a surveillance camera video Dec. 15 is wanted for a shooting in the 600 block of S. Rampart St. that left a victim injured, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) said.

The suspect approached the victim who was walking his dog at approximately 2 a.m. and demanded his belongings, the NOPD said.

Even though the victim complied, the NOPD said, the suspect shot his firearm several times, striking the victim.

Surveillance camera footage of alleged 600 S. Rampart St. shooting suspect. Courtesy of NOPD.

According to Fox 8, the victim was struck once in the back of the leg as he tried to flee from the suspect.

Surveillance camera footage of the suspect leaving the scene was released by the NOPD on Dec. 18 and can be viewed above.

Any information on this incident or this suspect is asked to contact NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free 877-903-STOP.

Man arrested with samurai sword on Royal Street, NOPD says

Travis Fisher. Picture courtesy of the Louisiana State Police.

A man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault Dec. 7 after police saw a man allegedly trying to attack another using a samurai sword, the Louisiana State Police said.

Troopers from the Louisiana State Police Troop N were on a proactive vehicle patrol in the 600 block of Royal St. when saw heard individuals screaming, the Louisiana State Police said.

When officers approached, they saw Travis Fisher, 42, with a sword raised in an “aggressive manner” towards a man attempting to move out of the way, the Louisiana State Police said.

Fisher immediately complied with troopers’ orders to drop the sword and was taken into custody, the Louisiana State Police added.

Earl Bernhardt, Tropical Isle co-founder, dies at 80

Earl Bernhardt, co-founder of the iconic Tropical Isle bar and the Hand Grenade drink, reportedly died on Dec. 5. He was 80 years old.

Bernhardt, along with his business partner Pam Fortner, founded the Tropical Isle bar after the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition and its melon-flavored signature cocktail served in an elongated neon green container shaped.

Shaped like a hand grenade at the bottom, cups are often seen strewn along Bourbon Street on a daily basis and have become an essential part of French Quarter scenery.

The drink comes in two varieties: frozen or with ice.

The bar expanded to five locations on Bourbon Street and has been a French Quarter mainstay for decades.

Longtime Tropical Isle employees praise Bernhardt for his generosity and treating them like family despite running a high-volume business with stressful hours.

His reputation extended to the local music community as his venues hosted many popular bands and musicians over the years.

Bernhardt was also known for his flashy dress. During visits to the bar, Bernhardt was occasionally seen wearing a solid gold chain with a Hand Grenade medallion around his neck.

Bernhardt was originally from Jackson, Mississippi. A cause of death was not disclosed.

A second line celebration of life parade was held for Bernhardt on Monday, Dec. 16.