A 24-year-old woman is fighting for her life after being shot near a South Knoxville gas station, as the Knoxville Police Department continues its search for the suspect. The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. Friday near Casey's convenience store located in the 4600 block of Chapman Highway, detailed a report by WATE. The woman was found critically injured outside her car and was quickly transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Knoxville Police Department has since found the shooter's black SUV abandoned at the Executive Inn on Chapman Highway.
In a statement released by the Knoxville Police Department, detectives are said to be working on strong leads in the hunt for the assailant. Additionally, a social media post by the department confirmed that the woman received immediate medical attention following the shooting, according to WBIR. The area surrounding the convenience store turned into an impromptu crime scene as law enforcement officers cordoned off parts of the highway to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Little information has been officially disclosed about the potential motives behind the shooting or the victim's current condition. However, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with knowledge pertaining to this case to come forward. "Efforts remain ongoing to locate the suspect. Detectives are working strong leads," officials from the Knoxville Police Department indicated in a narrative echoed by WVLT. The public plea highlights the pressing urgency of apprehending the individual responsible before any further incidents can occur.
Additional information is expected to be released as detectives to continue to analyze evidence and witness statements in the pursuit of justice for the victim.
