Two Men Arrested After Memphis Strip Mall Shooting and High-Speed Chase Ends in Crash at South Memphis Cemetery
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a dramatic turn of events, Memphis police have identified two men accused of shooting a man at a local strip mall before leading officers on a high-speed chase that stretched over 20 miles, ending with a crash at a cemetery in South Memphis. The shocking sequence of events unfolded on the evening of April 15, 2025, and has left the community shaken by the violence and the dramatic pursuit.
Details of the Shooting
The incident began shortly before 6:00 p.m., when Memphis police were alerted to a shooting at a strip mall located near South Third Street. Officers arrived at the scene to find a man with multiple gunshot wounds. According to reports, the victim was shot outside a business in the strip mall but was able to provide police with crucial information before being rushed to the hospital.
The victim’s condition is reported to be critical but stable, as he remains under medical care while doctors continue to monitor his injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of his wounds or the motive behind the attack.
The Suspects and the Pursuit
Following the shooting, two suspects, later identified as Tyler James Perkins (age 28) and Devin Malik Foster (age 31), fled the scene in a black sedan. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle speeding away from the area, and officers quickly initiated a pursuit.
What followed was a tense, high-speed chase that lasted for more than 20 miles, as the suspects drove recklessly through several Memphis neighborhoods. Police described the pursuit as “dangerous” due to the high speeds and erratic driving, with the suspects allegedly running red lights and weaving through traffic in an attempt to evade capture.
The chase reached its climax when the suspects’ vehicle collided with another car at an intersection near South Parkway East, causing the vehicle to lose control. The black sedan eventually careened off the road and crashed into a cemetery located in South Memphis. Authorities were able to apprehend both suspects on the spot, and neither of the men attempted to flee after the crash.
Arrests and Charges
Both Perkins and Foster were taken into custody without further incident. They face a range of charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, reckless driving, and felony fleeing. Investigators are continuing to process evidence from the scene, including the suspects’ vehicle, to determine whether additional charges will be filed.
Community Reaction
The series of events has sparked concern among residents of the area, many of whom were startled by the shooting and the violent chase that followed. Local business owners near the strip mall described hearing gunshots and the chaos that ensued as the suspects sped away.
“We were just closing up shop when we heard the shots. It was so loud, and it was scary,” said one local shop owner. “We all rushed to the back of the store to stay out of the line of sight. I’ve never seen anything like it around here.”
The high-speed chase also drew attention from bystanders and motorists who were caught in the path of the fleeing vehicle. “I was on the road when I saw them speeding past me, going way too fast,” said a driver who witnessed the chase. “It was a relief when I saw the police finally catch up with them.”
Investigation Continues
The Memphis Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting and subsequent pursuit. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the suspects knew the victim or if the shooting was the result of an altercation. Detectives are also reviewing nearby surveillance footage from the strip mall and surrounding areas to gather additional evidence.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure that these individuals are held accountable for their actions,” said Memphis Police Chief James R. Smith. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will continue to work diligently to bring justice to the victim and his family.”
Support for the Victim and Community
As the investigation unfolds, the victim’s family and friends have expressed their relief that he is receiving medical care and hope for his recovery. Local organizations are also offering support to the family, including counseling services to help them cope with the traumatic event.
In the wake of the shooting, there have been calls from residents and community leaders for greater attention to public safety and efforts to reduce violence in Memphis neighborhoods. Many are calling for more community outreach programs and measures to address gun violence and public safety concerns.
Conclusion
The arrest of Tyler James Perkins and Devin Malik Foster marks a critical step in resolving this violent incident, but the community remains on edge as they await further details about the motive behind the shooting and the consequences the suspects will face. As police continue their investigation, residents are hoping that the system will hold these individuals accountable and that the victim will make a full recovery from his injuries.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the shooting or the chase to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The Memphis Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of the city’s residents and addressing the growing concerns surrounding gun violence.