MEMPHIS, TN — A dramatic shootout unfolded during an attempted carjacking at a BP Gas Station on East Shelby Drive in Hickory Hill late Sunday night, July 7, 2024. Surveillance video released by Memphis Police shows the tense moments leading up to the gunfire exchange between the victim and the suspects.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to the scene at 5925 East Shelby Drive at approximately 9:33 p.m. The victim, who had gone inside the BP gas station to get food, was returning to his parked Dodge Charger when he was confronted by an armed male suspect. Surveillance footage shows three suspects at their vehicle—a silver Chevy Impala—with one of them standing outside the passenger side eating a plate of food. The driver, seen donning a backpack, exits the car, and what appears to be an AK-47 style firearm without a stock, possibly a Draco, is visible.
The suspect pointed the firearm at the victim and demanded his car keys and vehicle. The victim, however, quickly drew his own weapon from his hip and fired up to six shots at the suspect. The suspect retaliated, discharging as many as 25 shots at the victim, according to police reports.
The suspect then retreated back to the Impala, fleeing the scene with two accomplices who were inside the vehicle. The victim, wounded in the exchange, managed to get back into his Dodge Charger and drive away.
The victim later flagged down an officer after getting into a crash. He was found to have suffered a gunshot wound to his behind and was transported to a hospital with non-critical injuries. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.
While this ended with the victim not being critically harmed, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for self-defense situations. The ability to defend oneself, as demonstrated in this incident, can be crucial in potentially life-threatening scenarios. The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the incident, and no arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information about the suspects or the attempted carjacking is urged to contact Memphis Police.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
