Sunday afternoon in Cooper‑Young took a frightening turn when a group of juveniles allegedly pointed guns at a 73‑year‑old man sitting on his front porch, rattling a usually laid‑back corner of the neighborhood and prompting a police investigation.
Witnesses said the group ran toward the man’s porch near York Avenue and East Parkway before two of them pulled out firearms and made threats. The victim chased the group away, and officers later responded to the scene.
What the police say
According to Memphis Police, officers were called just after 3:20 p.m. Sunday for an aggravated assault on York Avenue near East Parkway after a neighbor reported the confrontation. Investigators said the victim told them he had been sitting on his porch when four juveniles approached, two of whom pointed guns at him before taking off when he charged at them.
As reported by Action News 5, anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901‑528‑CASH.
Suspect descriptions and neighbor accounts
Neighbors told police the suspects were wearing black hoodies and shorts. One of the juveniles reportedly shouted, “We will be back for you,” as the group ran away, a line that stuck with people on the block for all the wrong reasons.
Per Action News 5, officers said one of the armed suspects could be as young as 9 years old.
Juvenile crime trends in Memphis
The confrontation in Cooper‑Young comes amid wider concern about youth involvement in violent incidents across the city. The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission reports fluctuations in gun‑related violent incidents and recent increases in delinquent juvenile charges. Reporting by the Memphis Flyer has highlighted rising juvenile violent charges in 2023 and noted that community leaders are pushing for more youth services and targeted interventions to ease seasonal spikes.
Police ask for tips
Memphis police are asking anyone with information about the Cooper‑Young incident to call CrimeStoppers at 901‑528‑CASH. Tips can be submitted anonymously and online. According to CrimeStoppers of Memphis, tipsters may be eligible for rewards in certain cases and can also submit information through the organization’s website.
