MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One person is dead after shots were fired during an attempted robbery outside Tug’s Casual Grill in Harbor Town Saturday night.
According to Memphis Police, officers responded to the attempted robbery call around 7:32 p.m.
According to witnesses the suspect pulled up, hopped out of the car, and started firing shots at someone sitting on the patio.
“Some guys were looking for somebody, and he was out here sitting on the patio on a date, and they came after him, and I think he ran inside to the restaurant,” said Macro Navarro, a Harbor Town resident.
While all this was happening, there was a wedding across the street at River Hall, where two out-of-state off-duty police officers were attending as guests. A witness said they ran from the wedding towards the shooting.
They stayed until MPD arrived at the scene.
Tug’s Casual Grill released a statement Sunday morning with details about the situation, saying:
On Saturday, May 13th around 7:30 pm, an individual was chased into Tug’s Causal Grill after an altercation between parties outside the restaurant. Shots were exchanged between the parties. There were approximately 50 customers in Tug’s at the time who were safely escorted out.
The Memphis Police Department was immediately on scene and took control of the situation.
No shooting victims were located at the scene. However, one person was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition for a medical issue unrelated to the shooting.
Police say the suspects fled in a black Nissan Sedan.
Around 7:42 p.m., officers responded to a fire station on North Second Street, where a male shooting victim was dropped off. He was sent to Regional One Hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
MPD said investigators determined the victim was involved in the incident at the restaurant.
Tug’s General Manager David Thomas said the restaurant will be closed for repairs until further notice and they are taking precautions to ensure customers are safe.
Rob Ward, who is visiting Memphis from England and saw the aftermath, said he wasn’t surprised by the shooting because he is in America and this sort of thing does not happen where he Is from.
“You got a gun you are asking for trouble. I get it is part of the culture here. Particularly in the middle of the country, Land owners. For us in Europe, it’s a bit mad. People carrying around guns. We don’t see it. I have never seen a gun in Europe,” said Ward.
This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
