Beale Street experienced a morning disruption when shots rang out early Sunday, according to Memphis Police. The shooting occurred at around 4:45 a.m., with a business, King's Palace Cafe, at the intersection of B.B. King and Beale Street, caught in the crossfire. A patron inside the establishment told authorities she was sitting by the front window when a bullet fragment pierced the glass. FOX13 spoke to another individual, John Spates, who recounted hearing about 30 shots and witnessing a near miss with a bullet fragment. Spates said, "This bullet here almost hit my head." According to FOX13, police found 23 casings and bullet fragments at the scene yet no injuries were reported.
The gunfire seems to have been the result of an altercation with witnesses describing a suspect yelling profanities before the shooting. The suspect, described as a 6'0" Black man in all-black clothing, fled the area on foot. Officials noted he was last seen heading westbound on Beale Street towards Second Street. WREG reported the statements from a victim who mentioned the suspect allegedly saying, "I’m going to f— some s— up", before discharging his weapon. Despite the incident, the area remained active with visitors throughout the weekend although concerns about public safety on the popular tourist strip were evident among locals.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting as of yet. Memphis Police are actively investigating the occurrence and have requested that anyone with information to aid their efforts should to come forward. Local Memphis communicated the police call for community assistance, urging potential witnesses to reach out to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
The management of several restaurants including King's Palace Cafe, River City Management Group, was reached out to for comment, but they have not yet made a statement regarding the incident.
