Police report reveals new information in Downtown shooting that wounded 8

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A police report reveals more information on a shooting in Downtown Memphis that injured eight people Sunday morning.

Officers responded to the shooting just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday at S. B.B. King Boulevard and Peabody Place.

Video shows cars at the corner spinning out, people dancing on top of cars, and someone fighting with police.

The disruption led to a barrage of gunfire that left eight people injured and even sent bullets through the bedroom window of the Hampton Inn on Beale Street.

“As soon as I heard it, one of my left ears popped. My wife and I dove to the ground real quick,” said a Hampton Inn guest. “I’m a physician, so I got up real quick to see if anyone was hurt, because I was going to go down and try to help if I could.”

Officers found several victims at the scene, while others were taken to the hospital via private vehicle. All are in non-critical condition.

Lofton Jr William shared video of the shooting with Action News 5:

The victims told police they did not know who fired the shots or why the shots were fired.

Paul Young, Memphis mayoral candidate and president of the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC), says it is going to take new strategies to control this type of violence.

“When a negative incident takes place Downtown, it doesn’t matter where it’s located, it damages all of Downtown because the perception is that Downtown is unsafe when you hear about things,” said Young.

According to him, the DMC will work with Downtown partners and the Memphis Police Department to reduce pedestrian crowds at intersections.

The DMC will also work to increase police presence, which could include state or county agencies.

“I mean, people need to see a strong police presence, particularly in the Downtown core,” said Young. “We want to make sure people feel safe, and that visibility of police helps enhance their perception of safety.”

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis issued the following statement in light of the shooting:

Later this week, the DMC will host conversations with Beale Street business owners to discuss what can be done differently.

Police have been unable to identify a suspect in Sunday’s shooting. If you know anything, call 901-528-CASH.

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