Thursday breakfast at a Midtown McDonald’s came with a side of blue lights when Memphis police swarmed the Union Avenue spot after an armed-party call, briefly locking down the strip near Cooper Street. Officers moved in on the restaurant, took three men into custody inside, then cleared the scene. No one was hurt, but the fast-food joint ended up ringed with patrol cars as bystanders pulled out their phones while officers secured the building.
Memphis police say the call came in just before 8 a.m., and that some officers, including those carrying rifles, surrounded the restaurant before going inside to detain the three men, according to FOX13 Memphis. Video from that outlet shows officers escorting the men out of the dining area and placing them into custody.
What police said
"There were no injuries," the Memphis Police Department told FOX13 Memphis. As of Thursday morning, the department had not announced any possible charges. Officers also did not immediately release the identities of the three men or say whether any weapons were recovered.
Seen before on Union Avenue
Union Avenue through Midtown has seen a run of high-profile incidents in recent years, from robberies to carjackings near late-night businesses, keeping safety a regular topic in neighborhood conversations. Coverage has highlighted similar fast-food and drive-thru incidents around the city.
What happens next
The Memphis Police Department said detectives will follow up with witnesses and review any available video as the investigation continues. Any updates on charges or additional details will come from the department as they are released.
