76-year-old charged in shooting at East Memphis restaurant
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is in jail after police say a fight broke out that led to a shooting at Venice Kitchen in East Memphis on Monday evening.
James McCort, 76, is charged with aggravated assault.
According to Memphis Police, around 7:17 p.m., they responded to an aggravated assault call at the restaurant on Perkins Extended. One person was struck by gunfire.
Witnesses told police that while they were leaving Venice Kitchen and heading to their car in the rear parking lot, they witnessed a man and McCort in a physical fight.
One of the witnesses said he tried to break them up, but they continued to fight. He also said that McCort was on the ground getting hit and kicked in the facial area by the other man.
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The witness said shortly after the fight, he heard two gunshots near the altercation. However, he did not see the actual shots being fired.
He said he witnessed the victim limping away from the scene in an unknown direction with a revolver in his hand. MPD says the witnesses left the scene after the gunshots were fired.
McCort was taken to Regional One Hospital in non-critical condition.
Officers say they received a second call from a witness stating her boyfriend was shot in his right chest and shoulder area at the Wendy’s up the street.
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When police arrived at Wendy’s, the witness signed a vehicle consent to search form. Police were able to locate a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver.
The victim was then taken to St. Francis Park Hospital in non-critical condition.
McCort is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning.
WREG went by McCort’s house to talk to the family and attempted to contact Venice Kitchen on Tuesday. Neither wanted to comment.
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