Update: Memphis Police originally announced that 20-year-old Tadarius Atkins had been charged in connection with this shooting. Police now say the warrant for Atkins has been recalled.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three teens are looking at charges after allegedly being involved in a shooting that left an elderly man fighting for his life earlier this month.
Police arrested three juveniles, one as young as 13, after officers say they were involved in a shooting at Westwood Park on June 7.
The victim, 79-year-old Jerry French, was hit by gunfire during his morning walk in the park.
The victim and his friend came across a group on the basketball court at the nearby community center when they heard gunshots.
A woman also reported to police her home nearby had been hit by the gunfire while she was asleep.
French was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. A family friend said one of the bullets pierced his lungs.
Police have also taken a juvenile into custody. Surveillance photos show the boy armed with an AR-15. Witnesses say he shot at French and a man walking with him.
Tips started coming to police, leading them to arrest a juvenile less than a quarter mile from the crime scene.
A witness told police they were planning to carjack the victims.
Family friend and President of the Westwood Neighborhood Association leader David Page is thankful as his 79-year-old friend recovers.
“I was very shocked because this young man and his friend, they walk every morning,” Page said.
Page said his neighborhood association is planning to work with the affected families of those involved in the crime.
“And the association is working on, we’re calling it the French Connection, to have individuals stand out here in the park and several different locations so if our seniors want to come out and walk then we’re going to have someone out here,” he said. “To allow them to enjoy the fresh air and to enjoy the park. We don’t want them confined to the house you know due to all the crime that’s in the city.”
He said his team is willing to work with anyone to find solutions.
“But we are working with our schools, working with our other neighborhood associations to try to bridge some kind of gap to reach these parents. Like you all do every evening, ‘where are your kids,'” Page said.
If you know anything call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
