South Memphis was the scene of a workplace shooting earlier today when a former employee fired a gun outside a local tire shop, according to Memphis police. The incident occurred near the intersection of South Third Street and Mallory Avenue, FOX13 Memphis reported. The owner returned fire and informed police that he believed the shooter was a former employee who had been denied entry earlier after a firearm was seen on his person.
The incident occurred just before 1:30 a.m. When officers arrived, they spoke with the business owner, who described being startled awake by the gunfire, leading him to confront the shooter outside his establishment, according to WREG. After refusing entry to the ex-employee, the situation escalated as the individual left and subsequently returned with an accomplice to carry out the shooting, fleeing on foot post-attack.
The Memphis Police Department is continuing its investigation into the events of the night. It has been confirmed that the former employee attempted to enter the tire shop but was denied by employees, leading to his violent reaction. While no injuries were reported, two vehicles were damaged by gunfire within the fenced property of the tire shop, as detailed by Action News 5.
The motives of the former employee and the identity of the other suspect remain unclear. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers, with WREG reporting that witnesses can reach out by calling 901-528-CASH.
