A NEW Orleans police officer was fatally shot at a high school on Friday after a man refused to wear a face mask.

A 35-year-old man was arrested for the murder of Tulane cop Martinus Mitchum, who was providing security for a basketball game at George Washington Carver High School.

John Shallerhorn was detained early saturday morning and was also booked for armed robbery.

The NOPD have said that Shallerhorn arrived at the high school and was refused entry due to not having on a mask.

A physical altercation occurred with a school employee and the Tulane Officer then intervened and escorted the suspect out.

While Shallerhorn was leaving, he shot the officer twice, then placed the weapon on the ground and was taken into custody.

'TRAGIC DEATH'

NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says the officer was also a reserve officer for the 2nd City Court Constable.

Tulane Police Chief Kirk Bouyelas issued a statement Saturday morning which said: “We are deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic death of TUPD Corporal Martinus Mitchum. 

“Corporal Mitchum was a dedicated police professional who had a heart of service for the Tulane community. 

“We have reached out to his family and are providing support to his fellow officers during this difficult time. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with all the fellow officers with whom he served.”

And just moments before Shallerhorn attempted to gain entry to the basketball game, he had robbed a man at gunpoint.

NOPD says Shallerhorn approached a 39-year-old man who was sitting in his car in the parking lot.

Shallerhorn used his weapon to threaten the victim and took the man’s medallion chain.

Arrest records show he has a prior arrest in August of 2019 for indecent behavior with a juvenile.

But in Novemeber 2019, The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office refused that charge.

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