A targeted burst of gunfire outside a Fox Meadows strip mall turned a busy Thursday afternoon into a crime scene, leaving one man dead and two others fighting for their lives, Memphis police said.
Officers and members of a Memphis Safe Task Force, including National Guard personnel, rushed to 3193 S. Mendenhall Road after a call came in around 4:30 p.m. Police said three men were hit in the parking lot. The suspect, described as a man dressed head to toe in black, took off heading south on Mendenhall in a silver sedan.
The victims were taken to the hospital, where one man was pronounced dead and two remained in critical condition, according to investigators. Police said the attack appears to have been targeted and spent Thursday evening combing over the strip mall parking lot for evidence. As reported by WREG, investigators urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
Area has history of violence
The stretch of Mendenhall and Knight Arnold is no stranger to crime tape. The corridor has seen multiple violent incidents in recent years, including deadly shootings that rattled nearby businesses and residents. Past coverage by Action News 5 and local reporting on late-night Fox Meadows gunfire show officials and neighbors repeatedly grappling with ongoing gun violence in the area.
What police are asking
Detectives said the shooting appears to have been a targeted attack but did not release the victims’ names or discuss a possible motive. No arrests had been announced by Thursday evening.
Witnesses were urged to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH and to contact Memphis police with any tips, according to WREG. The Memphis Police Department said investigators were pulling surveillance video and processing evidence at the scene.
As of Thursday night, no arrests had been reported. Investigators continued to canvass surrounding businesses and review footage from the shopping center. Officials said they plan to release more information as the investigation moves forward.
