city government

Four NOPD officers fired after unauthorized pursuit led to fiery fatal crash into Broadmoor salon

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Four New Orleans Police officers were fired Wednesday in connection with a March car chase that ended with the suspect’s vehicle crashing into a Broadmoor salon and starting a fire that killed three people, after an internal investigation revealed “multiple policy violations” and a pattern of unauthorized pursuits, authorities said. The fired officers are Alex Mikkelsen, Jonathan Broom, Jeffrey Herrington and Alex Florian. All have been with the department for two years except Florian, who had been on the force three years. Also suspended in the investigation were two more officers, 9-year veteran Colby Stewart and William Hery, who had also been with the department two years. Steward was suspended 44 days and Hery for 54 days.

business

TONIGHT: Unity-1 fundraiser at Propeller

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Tonight (April 15th), Propeller will host a fundraiser for Unity-1 Salon and Beauty School to aid the rebuilding efforts of their owners, Beverly and John Smith. The night will include catered refreshments and live music by New Orleans musicians. Unity-1, a landmark in the South Broad area for 30+ years, caught fire after a car crashed into the building, destroying everything and taking the life of a client. This special event takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at Propeller (4035 Washington Ave.) and will benefit Unity-1 as they rebuild their business. There will be a number of caterers at the event, including Fruit Wizard, Price is Right Catering, Chef Reggie, Simply Sandwiches, Sweet Legacy, New Orleans Seafood Connection, and Denise Catering. Bands will include Tyra Alexander and other local New Orleans musicians. 

The event begins with a patron reception form 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The standard reception runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Standard tickets are $100, and patron tickets begin at $250.

business

Unity-1 Salon gets $10,000 donation to help rebuild

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The Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show came to New Orleans last weekend, and it didn’t leave without supporting a local shop after tragedy. According to reports, the show director James Bronner and CEO of Kalaidescope Hair, Jesseca Dupart, raised $10,000 for Unity-1 Beauty Supply and Hair Salon. The Broadmoor shop was the site of a car crash and three-alarm fire on March 20 which caused several fatalities, injuries and extensive property damage. Unity-1 has asked for support and have been raising funds to help them rebuild. According to WDSU, Bronner and Dupart both raised $5,000 each for John and Dr. Beverly Smith, the owners of Unity-1. “The Bronner Brothers are a perfect example of what it looks like when community and philanthropy come together,” said the Broadmoor Improvement Association in a newsletter.

public safety

Fatal car crash sets off blaze in Broadmoor beauty salon; woman dies from burn injuries

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A speeding driver crashed into a beauty salon Wednesday night, setting the car and the building on fire. Both people inside the car died at the scene, the New Orleans Police Department reported, and two children and multiple adults were injured in the blaze. One of the fire victims, a woman who was getting her hair done in the salon, died at the hospital of her injuries, the NOPD reported early Friday. The crash set off a three-alarm fire in the building at 4125 Washington Ave., Fire Superintendent Tim McConnell said. The building houses the Unity-1 Beauty Supply and Hair Salon.