Sunday afternoon traffic at a busy South Memphis intersection turned suddenly violent when a man in black stepped out of a black Volkswagen and opened fire on another car, striking one of the passengers. The shooting unfolded at Airways Boulevard and Ketchum Road and was captured on a traffic camera before the gunman sprinted back to the Volkswagen and drove away as officers headed to the scene.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers were dispatched to the intersection at about 2:40 p.m. on an aggravated assault call, listed as case number 2605030818ME. Investigators say traffic-camera footage documented the entire sequence, and they are working to identify both the Volkswagen and the man seen in the video.
What the footage shows
Traffic-camera video reviewed by Action News 5 shows a black Volkswagen stopping in the middle of Ketchum Road just east of Airways. A male dressed in all black gets out, runs toward the intersection, and fires several shots at the victims’ car before retreating to the Volkswagen and taking off. Victims told officers that one person inside their vehicle was hit, and the gunfire drew an immediate response from MPD.
This stretch has a history
The stretch around Airways and Ketchum has seen its share of violent incidents over the years, including high-profile cases that have pulled in citywide attention. Among them are proceedings in the Young Dolph murder trial, a reminder that this corner keeps showing up in major Memphis investigations.
Police appeal for tips
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information or additional footage of the shooting to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, according to the Memphis Police Department. Detectives say they are reviewing traffic cameras and any available witness video as they work the case.
Legal note
Under Tennessee law, aggravated assault covers assaults involving a deadly weapon or those that result in serious bodily injury and is generally treated as a felony. Penalties and specific charges depend on the evidence and the injuries involved, per Tennessee Code § 39-13-102. Prosecutors will decide on any formal charges after investigators submit their findings.
