Former New Orleans 911 director Tyrell Morris took the witness stand Friday at his trial over an alleged coverup of a fender-bender in his public vehicle, telling a jury that only much later did he recognize his fault and never meant to conceal it.

Morris is accused of falsifying records to avoid a drug and alcohol screen after the incident on the night of his birthday in May 2023. An indictment charges him with malfeasance in office, false impersonation of a peace officer, insurance fraud and injuring of public records.

He began his testimony Friday morning by touting his record at the helm of the Orleans Parish Communication District, which ended after five years in the wake of the collision and news reports raising questions about his claims afterward. He also noted that for a time he

See Full Page