MEMPHIS, TN – Police are searching for a driver who opened fire on I-240 during a road rage incident Thursday morning, hurting a 4-year-old child.
Investigators released surveillance video overnight, which they say shows the suspects – in two different cars – following the victims onto the interstate at Prescott Street and Cherokee Boulevard near Lamar Avenue.
The first suspect was driving a green Saturn SUV and the second suspect was driving a black Chevrolet Impala.
Police say one of the men confronted a couple on I-240 near Airways Boulevard for cutting him off, then fired two shots at them. One of the bullets grazed a 4-year-old’s foot.
“It makes you concerned ‘cause I have kids and they’re most of the time – all the time – with me,” said driver Sadie Ryan. “It kind of raises concerns in the area for people with children.”
Police say it began at a Marathon gas station in broad daylight – around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
“Memphis drivers do get mad quick. I have experienced a lot of road rage,” Ryan said.
People we spoke to tell WREG they’ve found themselves in similar situations on Memphis streets, ending up the target of an aggressive driver.
“You know, it really scared me,” said Alisha Tucker. “And I think we need a little more police presence over here.”
It’s because of those close calls that many drivers say they just try to keep their eyes on the road and their hands off the horn.
“You don’t wanna blow your horn at anybody, and I try not to even give eye contact too much,” Tucker said.
“I don’t honk. If I try to see someone you know speeding up in my rear view mirror, I just pull over to the side and let them go on around. I don’t try to road rage, blow the horn, do nothing like that. If someone’s in a hurry, I just try to get out their way,” Ryan said. “I don’t bother nobody and hopefully they won’t bother me.”
Police say the first suspect in the green Saturn SUV is black, around 30 to 40 years old, and 6’0″ with a stocky build, very light complexion, short, reddish brown hair and a thick, reddish brown beard.
The second suspect in the black Chevy Impala is black, between 20 and 25 years old, and 5’9” with a thin build, dark complexion, shoulder length dreadlocks and short black facial hair.
If you can help police, call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.