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Published on November 09, 2024
Memphis Security Guard Charged with Attempted Murder Following Shooting at Chickasaw Place ApartmentsSource: Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

A security guard has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after a shooting incident at a Binghamton apartment complex, according to the Memphis Police Department. The guard, identified as 30-year-old Rickey Hines Jr., is accused of firing multiple shots at a man who was attempting to flee the scene in his vehicle. The incident, which left the man critically injured, has raised questions about the use of lethal force in property security settings.

Yesterday at roughly 5:39 p.m., Memphis Police responded to a call at the Chickasaw Place apartments, reported WREG. Their findings allege that Hines, upon discovering that an individual named Rico Coats had warrants for his arrest, attempted to physically detain him. The situation escalated when Coats supposedly tried to flee in his truck, prompting Hines to dangerously begin shooting at the moving vehicle.

The seriousness of the confrontation was underscored by the charges brought against Hines, which include Criminal Attempt Second Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm During a Dangerous Felony, and Vandalism of Property $2,500-$10,000, as detailed by a social media post from the Memphis Police Department est.1827. The same post confirmed that security footage from the complex captured Hines discharging his weapon toward Coats as he attempted to leave the area.

Rico Coats, who was wounded in the shooting, was subsequently transported to Regional One Hospital and later taken into custody for his outstanding warrants, including one for auto theft dating back to February 2021. Coats’ record reportedly contains more than 15 prior cases, including domestic assault. As per WREG, authorities informed that Coats' injuries were critical but following his release from the hospital, he was also charged with Theft of Property $2,500-$10,000 to wit: Auto Theft.

Bond for both Hines and Coats has yet to be set; however, they are both scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. This incident with Hines follows closely after he was reportedly shot at in a separate occasion where more than 100 shots were fired in his direction. Alco Management, the company that employs the security personnel for the complex, has stated their cooperation with the Memphis police investigation into this troubling shooting.