In downtown Memphis on Friday afternoon, a man reportedly assaulting his ex-wife allegedly shot a bystander who attempted to intervene, according to police.
A 33-year-old woman was out walking her dogs when she noticed a man physically assaulting another woman, as WREG reported. The bystander tried to help using pepper spray, but the assailant allegedly shot her.
At 2:22 p.m., police were dispatched to a shooting incident at Wagner & Union. Upon arrival, they found two female victims: one was unharmed, while the other had been shot and was critically transported to ROH. The male suspect was acquainted with one of the victims and had left the scene before the police arrived.
According to local reports, the 58-year-old victim stated that she was sitting by the river with her ex-husband when he became visibly upset, seemingly over her silence. He motioned for her to get into the car. When she declined, he reportedly brandished a firearm. Though initially putting the weapon away, he soon began physically attacking her.
The woman walking her dogs observed the situation and attempted to step in, which led to her being shot by the ex-husband, WREG stated. Following the shooting, the man is believed to have taken control of his ex-wife’s car, trying unsuccessfully to hit her with it. Fortunately, her injuries were minor.
A woman from Collierville, who saw a portion of the incident, mentioned that the injured woman appeared relatively composed, showing more worry for her two little dogs. “We comforted her, letting her know her dogs would be alright,” she stated.
The injured bystander was treated at the Regional One Medical Center and was released on the same day, as mentioned by WREG.
Downtown has witnessed its fifth shooting in under a month. Just last week, a 15-year-old was shot at the very same location in the early hours. Authorities discovered a rifle close by on the railway tracks.
The assailant is believed to have escaped in a dark gray 2019 KIA Forte. Authorities are appealing to the public for information that might assist their investigation.
