MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Neighbors in a Midtown neighborhood are on edge after a shooting led to a bullet flying through an innocent woman’s window.
Neighbors say they heard a loud party at the house on Ashlawn, near the Poplar and Hollywood intersection, around 11 p.m. A witness told police he had been there earlier shooting a rap video.
The City of Memphis has the house registered as a short-term rental. It had a permit and was renewed in November 2024.
One woman, who didn’t want to be identified, heard three rounds of gunfire before a bullet pierced a living room window, ricocheted off a glass cabinet, and hit a picture hanging on another wall.
“I didn’t even have time to process what was going on and call 911, but he was already there,” said another neighbor.
An Airbnb Spokesperson made a statement:
“Airbnb bans parties, and the vast majority of Hosts and guests on Airbnb are responsible neighbors – issues like this are rare. Our specialized Safety team immediately removed the guest who booked this reservation, and we are in contact with the neighbors as we investigate further. We deploy a number of measures and resources to promote safe and responsible travel on Airbnb, including a 24/7 Neighborhood Support Line for neighbors to report urgent concerns directly to us.”
“If you are using it for a family party or get-together, that’s fine. It’s the renting out for parties and throwing a big bash that creates a zoning violation,” said Public Works Director Robert Knech.
In July, one person was killed and another injured when someone open-fired at an Overton High School graduation party on Felix in the Cooper-Young neighborhood.
Over the last two years, police responded to at least a half dozen shootings at vacation rentals in the Midtown area, including four that were fatal.
“We are working closely with the Shelby County DA’s Office to address this nuisance property,” said MPD Chief CJ Davis.
No one was hurt in the shooting. If you have any information that can help police with their investigation, call CrimeStoppers at (901)528-CASH.
