Domino’s Regional Vice President Robert Tedesco says the company is reviewing its policy on deliveries to the Lower Ninth Ward just days after 36-year-old driver Michael Price was murdered.
“It’s just so sensitive right now out there, and the killer’s on the loose in that neighborhood and we don’t want to put our people in jeopardy,” said Tedesco.
City Councilman James Gray says there are many places that are more dangerous to deliver a pizza than the Lower Ninth.
“First of all, this is the first murder to occur in the Lower Ninth this year. The Lower Ninth actually for the last number of years, despite its previous reputation, has been one of the safest areas of the city if you’re counting murders,” said Gray.
Meanwhile, so far this year, there have been six murders reported within a one-mile radius of the Franklin Avenue Domino’s where Price worked.
Gray noted that when a Domino’s driver was shot in Mid-City last September, there was no discussion of limiting deliveries.
Tedesco says it’s “not a blackout,” but delivery in the Lower Ninth ward will be “limited” until the killer is found.
He says the company will work on new safety initiatives, such as advanced technology to keep drivers safer, including dash cams and GPS tracking devices. They will also experiment with curbside delivery, and transition to “credit card only” transactions after 10 p.m. in parts of the city.
“A life was taken; it’s a tragedy. Michael Price went to work. He didn’t come home. That’s not right,” said Tedesco.
Click here to see how the public is helping Michael Price’s family via a GoFundMe campaign.
Michael Price was gunned down at the corner of N. Roman and St. Maurice Streets Tuesday just before 1 a.m. while on his way to make a delivery. He had less than $20 in his pocket.
Price worked at the Domino’s on Franklin Avenue for more than a year and was working hard to support his wife and three young children.
Crimestoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of those responsible for the murder of Michael Price. Crimestoppers added $2,500 to Domino’s reward of $7,500.
A bank account has been opened at JP Morgan Chase Bank for anyone wishing to make a donation for the wife and children of Michael Price. Go to any location and mention it is a donation for Michael Price and the money will be deposited into the account. Domino’s is also donating 50 percent of this week’s sales from the Franklin Avenue location to the Price family.