MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis police responded to several incidents overnight including the vandalism of several businesses and shootings.
Demonstrations took place in Downtown and Midtown Memphis as protesters gathered outside police precincts, along historic Beale Street and a number of other locations including the National Civil Rights Museum.
As hundreds marched last night and into early Monday morning, some tensions did spill over into less peaceful circumstances.
One group decided to loot the Marathon gas station at Poplar Avenue and Danny Thomas. Video from the scene showed some people struggling to keep the looters out of the business, but they were not successful.
The glass doors at Southland Mall in Whitehaven were also smashed overnight, but it’s unclear if anyone was able to get inside.
In the downtown area, Winfield’s Shoe store at North Main and Madison and a Walgreens were also damaged.
People who live in the area said protestors came through around 12:30 a.m. They believe the damage was caused by smaller groups straggling behind.
Two Walmarts – one on Elvis Presley and the other on Winchester – were burglarized during separate incidents overnight. JeVonte Broady, Jamal Johnson, Kendall Anderson and Xavian Lott were all arrested and charged.
One group of protesters got on I-55 from E.H. Crump Boulevard and began walking down the interstate, spraying signs and at one point even crossing a fence into a neighborhood.
The protestors then made their way to Riverside Drive. It was there that law enforcement used mace and tear gas when someone breached the line.
The National Guard was also seen in Downtown Memphis.
Police said 31 people were arrested Sunday night.
Overnight, officers also responded to several shooting scenes. One was at the corner of Elvis Presley and Raines. An employee at that location said a number of shots were fired as people drove through the parking lot overnight.
An officer was shot at multiple times after responding to a burglary call in the 4000 block of Elvis Presley Boulevard. His vehicle was struck several times, but he was not injured.
There was another shooting at 1198 Lamar. That incident sent one person to the hospital.
Mid-American Pawn Shop at 3524 Park Avenue was also burglarized overnight, with crooks stealing ammunition and jewelry. It’s believed that none of the weapons were stolen.
