MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One person was injured after a reported shooting on I-240 Wednesday.
The driver told police he was heading westbound on I-240 near the Lamar Avenue exit when someone in a silver Nissan started shooting. The victim was taken to the Regional Medical Center for treatment, but is expected to be okay.
Memphis police initially just had one lane blocked to help the driver. They eventually blocked all traffic heading westbound to search for evidence.
The roadway was reopened at 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday’s shooting is now added to the long list of unsolved interstate shootings in the city of Memphis this year. Drivers like Tara Shields said she is not too surprised by that number.
“They’re already driving at enormous speeds. They’re cutting people off. So, you can almost see why it happens but it just shouldn’t,” Shields said
Since the beginning of this year, Memphis police have increased their presence on the interstates to help deter criminal activity such as reckless driving and shootings.
Since the beginning of this year, memphis police have increased their presence on the interstates to help deter criminal activity such as reckless driving and shootings.
Memphis Police Director Mike Rallings said in the past he is requested the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol but a spokeswoman for the police department say they still need help this time from the public.
The spokeswoman said so far, they only been able to solve six of the 61 shootings. In a statement, the MPD spokeswoman said:
“We need drivers to show courtesy while driving on the roadway and be vigilant while in traffic. Although officers are still assigned to interstate details, we cannot be at every location all the time. When erratic drivers are spotted, or someone sees occupants of a vehicle armed, this needs to be reported. “
That spokeswoman said when are you reporting any criminal behavior on the interstate, it is helpful to know the location of the incident, a description of the driver and car, a tag number, and the direction the vehicle was going.
In this case, police said the investigation is ongoing. So, if you know anything you are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 901-528-CASH.
