A man is in critical condition following a shootout on the streets of Downtown Memphis, reported the Memphis Police Department. According to Action News 5, the incident occurred late Friday night, when multiple properties, including a police squad car, were hit by bullets on Union Avenue near South B.B. King Boulevard. The police response was prompted just after 11:30 p.m., to a scene that was soon taped off as a crime scene.
Affected by the gunfire, none of the officers were injured when their squad car was hit. Painted by the night's chaos, it is still unclear what might have escalated the events leading to the shooting. The victim, who FOX13 Memphis states knew the shooter, sought his own aid by traveling by private vehicle to a hospital, where he remains in a critical state.
One witness, a tourist from Missouri, recounted the sudden and terrifying sounds that pierced the night amidst what was supposed to be a leisurely escape in the heart of Memphis' vibrant culture. "Out of nowhere, we heard half a dozen to ten rounds go off kinda off in the distance, and looked over and it almost kinda sounds like fireworks," the tourist told WREG. The reality of the situation became harrowing as he added, "And while those shots were going off, you could actually hear ricochets."
Despite the traumatic experience, the tourist, caught in the frightening lapse of safety, affirmed that this incident won't deter his family's love for the city's cultural offerings. While shots were echoing through the air, that family's sense of security was momentarily shattered, but their resolve to return remains unbroken. "We come down here to eat some of the world's best barbeque and usually like going up to BB King's and listening to some good music," he further conveyed to WREG.
As the investigation is still unfolding, with no one detained at the moment, the Memphis Police Department is urging anyone with more information to come forward. The search for clarity and justice is in progress, and those involved in this act of violence are yet to face their reckoning before the law.
