Memphis police are currently investigating a downtown shooting incident that occurred Friday evening, sending residents and pet owners to hurriedly seek cover. The chaos unfolded near a prominent intersection amid the city's South Main Arts District, at the corner of South Front Street and GE Patterson, a nexus frequented by the community members, their canine companions, and cinema-goers.
According to WREG, witnesses described a scene where a man dressed in black abruptly emerged from a white sedan, brandishing what appeared to be an AK-47-style firearm. The assailant opened fire, prompting bystanders at the adjacent dog park to immediately duck down to escape the barrage of bullets. The gunfire also seemed to impact the facade of the Malco Powerhouse Cinema, located conveniently across the street.
Shell casings could be seen scattered across the site and WREG's news crew, having been in proximity, estimated hearing seven to ten gunshots. However, when the police arrived at the scene following the reports of the shooting, no victim was found there. It was later confirmed that the individual who was injured had managed to reach the hospital in a personal vehicle and is currently in stable condition.
Action News 5 reported that the precise reasoning for the shooting remains unknown, and no suspect has been apprehended at this time. An interview by FOX13 with a local resident who chose to stay unnamed revealed the cold precision of the attack, saying, "They rolled up next to the side of the vehicle while they were about to make a left turn, come to a stop, let them have it, and keep moving." This same resident warned others, "This is a safe area. We do feel safe. But things change quickly."
The Memphis police have yet to officially comment on the nature of the potential targets or motives behind the shooting and have sealed off the intersection for a thorough investigation, placing dozens of evidence markers on the scene. Anyone with information connected to the shooting is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
