Off-duty New Orleans police officer shot

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Police were searching on Monday for a suspect who shot an officer who was off duty and driving to his father's home in an unmarked unit Sunday night.

Police said 24-year veteran Derek Frick, who had recently been named a commander in the force, was shot in the neck in the Desire neighborhood, when an SUV pulled up alongside and fired into his vehicle.

He was aided by bystanders and taken to University Medical Center where he was said to be in stable condition.

"Doctors tell us that at this time they don't think it's life-threatening," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Police said they are looking for a brown or gold-colored SUV, likely a GMC or Chevy. They said the vehicle, which contained several occupants, had dark-tinted windows and drove into the old Desire area around Higgins Blvd.

A search for the suspects is underway.