Memphis shootout at Wolfchase Galleria have customers scared and angry
MEMPHIS, Tenn. October 9 2019 On Sunday, a gun battle was reported at a popular Memphis mall and now police said that they have more information on the incident and are working with mall security to increase patrols on the property.
Police responded to the Wolfchase Galleria after an exchange of gunfire outside the mall terrified and angered shoppers.
No one was hurt, but police are still searching for five men believed to be responsible for opening fire in the parking lot between Macy’s and The Cheesecake Factory.
One witness said that she came to the mall Sunday afternoon to pick up an outfit for an upcoming wedding. But instead of a quick and carefree errand, chaos and gunfire broke out in the parking lot, forcing that woman to find cover inside a department store, as unease and uncertainty lingered in those dramatic moments.
“I didn’t sleep well last night,” the witness said.
According to Memphis police, after an argument, two groups fired at each other in the mall parking lot, using a handgun and an AR style pistol.
“They started the safety and security procedures and had us put in the dressing room and had us locked in the dressing room until it was safe,” the witness said.
Investigators believe five men in surveillance pictures are connected.
“It’s hurting all the businesses at the mall, it’s hurting everyone,” Diana Clark said.
The mall also has several SkyCop cameras throughout the property as well as private mall security.
This is the third major crime on mall property in a four-year span.
In December 2017, five were injured after brawls and gunshots broke out inside and outside Wolfchase Galleria.
In December 2016, Memphis police arrested nearly a dozen adults and teenagers, after flash mobs and fights erupted at Wolfchase and Oak Court Mall.
A spokesperson from Wolfchase Galleria issued this statement Monday evening:
“As the Memphis Police Department reported, this incident happened outside Wolfchase Galleria. We are committed to providing a safe and secure shopping environment for our shoppers, retailers and employees.
We have a number of proactive security measures in place, both seen and unseen, including maintaining a continuous security patrol of our property and parking lots. We also maintain a close working relationship with local law enforcement to maintain a safe environment at our property.”
