FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2015 photo, men walk past a sign encouraging people to walk in large groups, in the French Quarter of New Orleans. A spike in violent crime in the French Quarter is unsettling residents and comes just as New Orleans prepares to host crowds of tourists for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 17 this year. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) (The Associated Press)
NEW ORLEANS – Officials say an Irish police officer on vacation in New Orleans was shot by an armed robber, becoming one of the latest victims in a string of shootings putting the city on edge as it gets ready to kick off Carnival festivities.
Authorities say Brian Hanrahan was shot early Tuesday morning. Hanrahan told officers he was robbed after withdrawing money from an ATM. He was listed in serious but stable condition Wednesday. Officers say they haven't found a suspect or Hanrahan's wallet.
Hanrahan's shooting came a day after a 17-year-old high school student was killed on his way to school.
Also Tuesday, a 25-year-old woman was killed on the other side of the city.
The shootings come as police struggle with a shrunken force and an uptick in violent crime.
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