MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Bass Pro Pyramid employee shot Saturday night has been released from the hospital.
The 21-year-old man, identified as Christopher Dickens, was shot in the parking lot around 10:15 p.m.
The incident began when shots were fired just before 10 p.m. in the Pinch District.
Police said the suspect, Justin Welch, shot two people at Westy’s “for no apparent reason.” Police identified those victims as Joshua Walton and Abdul Shakaan.
The shooter then ran to the Bass Pro Pyramid parking lot and shot the employee.
Bass Pro Shops released the following statement:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Memphis Police Department and their families during this difficult time.
While an investigation is still ongoing, all indications suggest the incident in the parking lot late Saturday night was an isolated and random act with no apparent connection to our facility or our team members. The entire property is monitored by security and the Memphis Police Department at all times and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership.
The two men shot outside Westy’s are still in critical condition.
The shooter took off in a stolen car and was chased by police until they lost him along I-55.
At some point the suspect ended up at 3rd and Beale Street where police say he hit Officer Verdell Smith, who died from his injuries.
Smith was a veteran of the police force who was hired by MPD in 1998.
He was stationed at the Old Allen precinct.
The 46-year-old is survived by his father, fiancee and children.
