A morning run along one of Midtown Memphis' busiest streets turned violent Thursday when a jogger was shot in the leg on Poplar Avenue, according to the Memphis Police Department. Officers were called to the scene on April 2, 2026, and the runner was taken to a hospital for treatment, authorities said. Police have not publicly named a suspect, and the case remains under active investigation.
According to FOX13 Memphis, MPD told reporters the victim was struck while running and was conscious when officers arrived. FOX13 reported that detectives started canvassing the area for witnesses and nearby video footage shortly after the shooting. As of publication, police had not released a suspect description or a possible motive, FOX13 said.
Poplar Avenue's Recent Run of Violence
Poplar Avenue has seen more flashing blue lights than most residents would like this winter and spring, and the latest shooting only adds to those worries. As reported by WMC Action News 5, a Feb. 2 shooting on Poplar left two people wounded. The Memphis Police Department's public logs also list several aggravated-assault responses along Poplar this winter, and the department has said patrols on parts of the corridor have been stepped up.
Police Response and What They Want
MPD says detectives are working the case and are asking anyone who saw the shooting or has video from the area to contact investigators. In a statement to FOX13 Memphis, officers said they were canvassing the neighborhood and reviewing nearby surveillance footage. Police had not announced any arrests at the time of this reporting.
Runners and Residents on Alert
Regular runners and nearby residents say the shooting has heightened a sense of unease along Poplar, a major east-west corridor that pulls double duty as a jogging route and errand run. As reported by several violent incidents recently, the stretch has seen multiple serious episodes, and community groups are coordinating informal safety checks and route planning. Local running clubs and neighborhood-watch organizers say they plan to keep urging members to share footage and report suspicious activity to police.
MPD is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact detectives or submit tips through the department’s tip resources listed on its website. More details are expected as investigators continue to work the case.
