NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Police say a Crimestopper tip led to the arrest of murder suspect 24-year-old Michael Portis. At a press conference Wednesday at the New Orleans Police headquarters, Chief Michael Harrison said they believe Portis acted alone, but they are still taking tips.
Police arrested Portis around 7 a.m. on Wednesday on Pauger Street near Cameron Boulevard. Police say Portis is responsible for shooting and killing 36-year-old Michael Price. Price was working as a Domino’s pizza delivery driver when he was found dead inside his car. Police say he was shot to death around 1 a.m. last Tuesday on March 24, near North Roman & Tupelo streets in the Ninth Ward.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu said Michael Price’s murder was a “dagger in the heart of the city.” And we need to “change the culture of violence to a culture of peace.”
Mayor Landrieu also said Michael was a hard-working father of three and his death was tragic. He concluded, “If you wreak havoc on our city we will find you. We are going to do everything we can when murders occur we are going to get on it as aggressively as we can. We will bring criminals to justice.”
Robert Tedesco RPM Pizza reiterated Wednesday that delivery drivers only carry about $20 and your delivery order is recorded.
Crimestoppers will give out the entire $15,000 reward. It has not yet been determined how/if the tip will be split up.
Portis has been charged with first-degree murder in the case.