A harrowing sequence of violence on Interstate 240 in Memphis culminated Tuesday with the injury of a man and four children, followed by a dramatic police chase. The Memphis Police Department, reacting to a shooting near Poplar Avenue, found an uninjured Chevrolet Malibu full of bullet holes just before 5:15 p.m., according to Local Memphis. Five gunshot victims, including the children aged 2, 3, 3, and 8, were later identified at Baptist East hospital in critical condition.

Shortly thereafter, police encountered the suspect vehicle, a stolen 2022 gray Mitsubishi Outlander, setting off a chase that escalated as the suspects fired at pursuing officers. Later crashing in a ditch on Bethune Road, the suspects attempted to evade capture on foot but were ultimately arrested, reported FOX13 Memphis. One MPD officer crashed during the pursuit on James Road but, was unhurt in the incident.

18-year-old Lorenzo Watson and 21-year-old Kendrick Ray face numerous charges including six counts each of attempted first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Ray, with a criminal record inclusive of carjacking and aggravated assault, was also charged with additional crimes related to previous incidents, as detailed by Action News 5.

A chaotic scene in rush hour traffic Tuesday had witnesses like Johnny Malone in disbelief, Malone telling FOX13, "We saw the helicopter flying. Next thing we know, police are flying down Range Line (Road). We come out front and see the car down here in the ditch, then police and state troopers come from everywhere." Officials from Baptist East Hospital confirmed the facility was safe and not involved beyond treating the victims, emphasizing their cooperation with Memphis Police Department's ongoing investigation.