UPDATE: Memphis Police have identified the suspect as Jarrad Nathan, 26. He was charged with Aggravated Assault and Reckless Endangerment.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was taken into custody without incident after a shot was fired Tuesday at the Fox 13 television studio, near the University of Memphis.
Police spokesman Stephen Chandler said one round hit the Fox 13 studio building at Highland and Midland, shattering a window. No one was injured. The building was evacuated.
The suspect fled to Ubee’s, a nearby restaurant on Highland, where he remained inside a bathroom as police officers surrounded the suspect and crisis negotiators talked to him.
There was no active shooter situation, and police said the shooting could have been an accidental discharge. The man was armed with an AR-style weapon, Chandler said.
The initial call to the station came in at 11:17 a.m. MPD reported that the suspect was taken into custody without incident at 1:28 p.m.
An MPD spokesman said the suspect came to the station because he had a message to send to the media.
A couple who identified themselves as the suspect’s father and stepmother were outside the restaurant, pleading with him to come out.
“My son is going to need some help,” said Marsha McKinney.
South Highland was blocked from Midland to Southern.
MPD said at noon they were on the scene of a possible armed party at Ubee’s, 521 S. Highland. They asked everyone to stay out of the area.
A worker at Ubee’s told WREG that the gunman was locked in a bathroom at the restaurant. Officers rushed in, but everyone inside got out safely.
The suspect was described as a 26-year-old man, who was the father of two.
MPD said the suspect was transported away from the scene in an ambulance.
Ubee’s released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying, “We are thankful that today’s incident was resolved peacefully and that our staff was able to make it to safety. We are closed tonight, but will reopen tomorrow.”
