Shooting at Hickory Hill McDonald’s Leaves One in Critical Condition

Drive-by Shooting at McDonald’s Leaves Teen in Critical Condition

A drive-by shooting at a McDonald’s in Hickory Hill, Tennessee, left a 17-year-old teen in critical condition on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3:12 p.m. at the McDonald’s located at 6050 Winchester near Ridgeway. Police responded to the scene and found a male victim who had been shot in the shoulder. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later had his status upgraded.

According to reports, law enforcement made contact with a 17-year-old suspect who was carrying a handgun in his waistband. The suspect was detained and taken into custody. Officers noted that there was a switch on the rear slide of the weapon, which could indicate it was modified or altered in some way.

Witnesses captured footage of a young man being placed in the back of a police squad car. This image was recorded by WREG, which also covered other aspects of the incident.

Details from the Scene

The shooting took place during what appeared to be a lunch break for employees at the McDonald’s. A girl who was getting cookies at the kiosk told WREG that the man who was shot worked at the restaurant. She described how the Nissan, possibly silver or gray, drove by and fired a shot.

One of the employees, a 19-year-old male, shared his account with officers. He said the car stopped in front of them, and the driver yelled, “Get y’all a** back to work.” The 17-year-old who was shot reportedly responded with an expletive. Then, according to the employee, the car moved to the light at Hickory Meadow Road and Winchester before firing at them.

Three workers were outside when the incident occurred. Two ran back inside, while the others went to check on the injured worker. They brought him to the back of the restaurant. The witness, who did not want to be identified, said she left immediately after hearing the gunshot. However, many family members were trying to reach loved ones who worked at the restaurant. Employees were locked inside the building as police arrived.

Chasing the Suspect

In addition to the arrest of the 17-year-old suspect, police also pursued another young man who fled the scene with a gun. This individual was chased down at a nearby park. Deborah Parker, an eyewitness to the chase, described the moment. She said the man had a gun in his hand and was running, causing her fear that he might shoot the officer pursuing him.

Parker recalled saying, “He had it in his hand when he was running, and I was scared that he was going to reach back and shoot the officer that was chasing him, and I was like, ‘He got a gun, he got a gun!’”

However, police have not confirmed whether this person was the same teenager who was later placed in the back of the squad car. The connection between the two individuals remains unclear.

Ongoing Investigation

WREG reached out to McDonald’s corporate for a statement but has not received a response. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

This event has raised concerns about safety in the area and the ongoing issue of gun violence in public spaces. As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge regarding the motives and actions of those involved.