Manhunt Continues Following New Orleans Police Officer's Shooting Death

— -- A manhunt continues in New Orleans after a police officer was found shot dead in his marked patrol car Sunday.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office identified the victim Monday as James Bennett, Jr., 45.

Bennett, a Housing Authority of New Orleans Police Officer since 2013, had previously worked in the sheriff’s office Reserve Division – a volunteer unit that supplements regular officers.

The shooting was reported at 7 a.m. Sunday, the New Orleans Police Department said in a news release. The victim's car rolled forward and struck a curb after the shooting.

"The death of this HANO police officer is an unspeakable tragedy, and a vile and cowardly act,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement following the officer’s death. “Tragedies that involve our men and women in uniform affect our entire city and touch every member of our law enforcement community. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts and prayers are with the officer's friends and family and with the entire HANO family during this very difficult time."