On Monday afternoon, the Memphis Police Department thwarted a potential tragedy when officers shot and detained a gunman attempting to enter the Margolin Hebrew Academy. The incident unfolded when the armed male fired his weapon outside the school around 12:20 p.m. Fortunately, the suspect was unable to gain access to the premises, thanks to the school’s effective safety procedures.
Assistant Chief Don Crowe praised the school’s preparedness, stating that their safety measures prevented harm or injuries. No one was injured during the incident. While the police have not released the suspect’s identity, Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen revealed that the gunman was a former student at the academy and of Jewish descent.
Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene in a Ram pickup truck with California license plates. Authorities later spotted the vehicle in Bartlett, TN. Officers on patrol located the suspect’s car in the vicinity of McCrory and Gary streets. When confronted by the police, the suspect exited the vehicle while holding a handgun, leading to an officer shooting him.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident due to the suspect’s condition, as stated by the police.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis expressed gratitude for her officers’ swift response, which averted a potential mass shooting. She also acknowledged the invaluable support provided by neighboring jurisdictions, whose critical information helped stop the suspect’s actions.
