A security guard in Memphis has been charged with aggravated assault after a shooting took place at the Twin Oaks Apartment Complex in Parkway Village. The guard, identified as 36-year-old Erio Watkins, was involved in an altercation that escalated to gunfire in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to WREG, Watkins and another security guard were on duty when they encountered a man they claimed was trespassing after hours. The situation rapidly deteriorated when, allegedly, the man produced a handgun during a physical struggle, and a shot was fired. Watkins is accused of then shooting the man, who was critically injured and had to be rushed to Regional One Hospital. The other security guard reportedly recorded the incident on his body camera.
The Memphis Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 3:30 a.m. on August 19. As detailed by an Action News 5 report, the altercation began when the guards attempted to detain the alleged trespasser, leading to a scuffle that resulted in both parties drawing their guns. However, the victim's gunfire apparently did not hit anyone, and he himself sustained life-threatening injuries from Watkins's weapon.
FOX13 Memphis obtained records that show body-camera footage revealing the attempt by the guards to detain the man as he resisted. This crucial evidence matches the victim's account of the events leading up to the shooting. Despite the serious charges, court records indicate that Watkins was able to post a $30,000 bond and was released. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The incident raises concerns about the use of force by security personnel, and the body camera footage could provide critical insight into the dynamics of the confrontation. At this time, the victim of the shooting has not been charged with any crimes, leaving unanswered questions about the ensuing legal process and the implications for all involved in the traumatic events from that early morning in Memphis.
