One Dead, Seven Injured After Shooting Erupts at Popular Memphis Restaurant; Investigation Underway
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A night meant for socializing ended in tragedy late Saturday when gunfire broke out at a popular eatery in Parkway Village, leaving one person dead and seven others injured, Memphis police officials confirmed early Sunday.
The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Perkins Road and Cottonwood Road, in the parking area shared by the Mexican Spot restaurant and a nearby Sonic Drive-In. What began as a gathering among friends turned into a horrific scene of violence that has left the community shaken.
Gathering Turns Deadly
According to preliminary reports from the Memphis Police Department, a group of Hispanic friends had been congregating at the Mexican Spot, drinking, socializing, and enjoying the evening. Witnesses said that an argument broke out among some of the patrons, which rapidly escalated into an exchange of gunfire both inside the restaurant and spilling out into the parking lot.
Witness accounts, corroborated by a security guard who was present, described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out and people scrambled for cover.
Multiple Victims
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and immediately began treating the wounded. Authorities confirmed the following injuries among the victims:
- One person suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.
- Another was shot in the face and chest.
- A third victim sustained a gunshot wound to the ribs.
- A bystander, who was not involved in the dispute, was struck in the leg by a stray bullet.
Sadly, one individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the deceased has not yet been released, pending family notification.
Several of the injured were transported to area hospitals; at least two are reported to be in critical condition, while others are said to have sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The exact conditions of all the victims were still being assessed as of Sunday morning.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, Memphis police have not released any details regarding potential suspects or arrests. Investigators are combing through security footage from surrounding businesses and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify those responsible.
Police are working to determine whether a single shooter was involved or if multiple individuals exchanged gunfire during the incident.
“The violence we witnessed last night was senseless and tragic,” said Deputy Chief Paul Wright at an early Sunday press briefing. “We are committed to bringing the person or persons responsible to justice. We urge anyone who may have seen something or has video footage to come forward immediately.”
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Community Reaction
Residents of Parkway Village expressed heartbreak and frustration over the violence that has become all too common in the area.
“This is a place where people come to eat, celebrate birthdays, and have family gatherings,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s terrifying to think that a simple night out could end in tragedy like this.”
City officials said they are working closely with the Memphis Police Department to enhance security measures in high-traffic areas and provide additional resources to prevent further incidents.
Moving Forward
The Mexican Spot remained closed on Sunday, and it was unclear when the restaurant would reopen. Management issued a brief statement offering condolences to the victims and their families, and pledging full cooperation with the police investigation.
This marks one of the most significant mass shooting incidents in Memphis so far this year, a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the city as it grapples with rising violence.
This is a developing story.