NOPD Officer John Passaro is reported to be in "good spirits" as he remains hospitalized after being seriously wounded in a shooting Saturday morning at the Dollar General Store on Poland Avenue at St. Claude Avenue.

The 41-year-old Passaro, a three-year veteran of the force, was shot after entering the store where a robbery had been reported.

He was shot twice when a would-be robber opened the door to the manager's office and emerged to fire three shots.

In a statement issued Monday, the NOPD said Passaro is making progress in his recovery and that his family has been touched by expressions of love and support.

The search for the suspect continues.  The department issued an updated description on Monday, saying the perpetrator was an African-American male with a light complexion, between the ages of 35 and 40 years, standing approximately 5’7 and weighing approximately 140 to 150 lbs.

He wore a pair of dark, wrap-around sun glasses and a white bandana with blue paisley print on it that was positioned over the bridge of his nose and covered his mouth as well. He was also in possession of a black draw string bag with a white Nike “Swoosh” emblem on it.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.