NEW ORLEANS– New Orleans police arrested a man suspected of one of the mass shootings that broke out within an hour of each other during a major parade on Nov. 17, authorities said Wednesday.
The suspect, 32-year-old Alex Harris, and another person were arguing before the two opened fire on each other, wounding nine bystanders and Harris, according to a statement from the New Orleans Police Department. Harris was arrested last week.
Harris, who police said was on parole, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm during a parade.
Police say they also arrested Tavi Roach, 36, shortly after the shooting as he attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle. He is charged with theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a firearm.
Earlier this month, police arrested another man, 19-year-old Curtis J. Gray, accused of shooting an aspiring photographer and his uncle in the same parade, about 45 minutes after the first shot. He is being held on a $10 million bond, court records show.
The suspect’s mother, Ashley Gray, was also arrested and charged with accessory to second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. She is registered as the owner of the gun used in the shooting and police allege she conspired with her son to provide a false alibi for his whereabouts. WDSU reports this.
Tanzanika Ruffin, an attorney representing Ashley Gray, declined to comment.
A representative of the Orleans Parish Public Defenders Office, which represents Curtis J. Gray, Harris and Roach, according to court records, said the office does not comment on pending cases.
A private attorney who previously represented Harris in another case could not provide contact information for Harris’ family, and another private attorney who previously represented Roach did not immediately respond to questions.
The parade, organized by the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club was part of the beloved New Orleans tradition of “second lines,” in which crowds follow marching bands through the streets. These parades are an important part of the city’s black culture.
More arrests and charges are expected, police said.
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Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on social platform X: @jack_brook96