Triple Shooting in Memphis Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Critically Wounded

Police searching for gunman who fled in silver sedan after targeted attack at strip mall

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of several spent bullet casings on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a targeted shooting in Memphis exposes the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the community.Memphis Today

A triple shooting in the Fox Meadows neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee left one man dead and two others critically wounded on Thursday evening. The gunman, wearing all black clothing, opened fire on three men outside a Hookah Plus Vape Shop before fleeing the scene in a silver sedan. Memphis Police are investigating the incident as a targeted attack and are asking the public for any information about the shooter's identity and whereabouts.

Why it matters

Gun violence and non-fatal shootings have been an ongoing challenge for the city of Memphis, with homicides trending down over the past five years but non-fatal shootings on the rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. This latest incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of violence and improve public safety in the community.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred around 4:30 pm in the parking lot of a strip mall on Mendenhall at Knight Arnold. The gunman, described as wearing all black clothing, opened fire on three men outside the Hookah Plus Vape Shop before fleeing the scene in a silver sedan. All three victims were rushed to the hospital, where one man was pronounced dead. Crime scene investigators found bullet casings at the scene, and one of the bullets hit a gas line outside the store, requiring Memphis Light, Gas & Water to respond and shut off the gas. Members of the National Guard were posted around the perimeter of the crime scene as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force that was deployed six months ago.

  • The shooting occurred around 4:30 pm on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • One of the victims was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The players

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis

The police chief arrived at the scene and was seen talking with investigators, though she did not speak with the media.

Hookah Plus Vape Shop

The shooting took place in the parking lot of this strip mall business in the Fox Meadows neighborhood of Memphis.

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What’s next

Memphis Police are searching for the gunman seen driving away in a silver sedan. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

The takeaway

This latest incident of gun violence in Memphis underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in addressing root causes of crime and improving public safety, even as overall homicide rates have trended downward in recent years. Community efforts to promote nonviolence and de-escalate conflicts will be crucial in preventing further tragedies.