Yesterday morning, the Ridgecrest Apartments in Frayser were the subject of a police investigation following a report of gunfire, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD). The shooting, which involved the occupants of two cars, resulted in property damage but no reported injuries or arrests according to a FOX13 report. A witness reported hearing over 30 gunshots, indicating the scale of the incident.
This violent event follows a disturbing pattern for the apartment complex, which has already seen more than 80 crime-related calls this year, MPD officials confirm. Notably, no one was injured in this latest episode which saw two vehicles with bullet holes, bullet casings were found at the scene, and a wrecked car at the front gate of the complex. "They need to give everybody their vouchers and close them down because too many people over here are getting killed," a female resident told WREG, amid the growing concern among residents at Ridgecrest Apartments.
Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell highlighted the connection between poverty, underinvestment, and the resultant crime in the area. "Where you have a lot of poverty and a lot of needs, sadly, you continue to see a lot of crime in those communities," Caswell explained, according to a statement obtained by Local Memphis. In response to the ongoing violence, there's a push for increased police patrols and a new dedicated police station in the affected neighborhood.
Addressing the crime is just one aspect for Caswell, who promotes a broader, more holistic approach to the crisis. He believes resilience can be fostered through a combination of immediate safety measures and long-term investments in community support. Caswell leads the resilient hub, offering Frayser families essential services like classes or employment assistance. "Not only do we offer training to the parents and students, it’s a point system that allows them to come in and purchase everything from clothes to food," Caswell told Local Memphis.
Memphis Police continue their investigation into the Ridgecrest Apartments' incident and have taken possession of the cars believed to be involved in the shootout. Meanwhile, authorities are checking area hospitals for potential victims, aiming to address the violence at the complex.
