NCAA tourists unfazed by Downtown shootings
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Sunday morning shooting marked the third violent incident in Downtown Memphis in the last week.
According to reports, officers responded to the shooting in the 100 block of Peabody Place at 5:35 a.m.
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A 31-year-old man was reportedly taken to Regional One Hospital by private vehicle in non-critical condition.
The incident comes as thousands of people are rolling into the downtown area for March Madness.
Last week, MPD announced they were enhancing security protocols throughout downtown to ensure everyone’s safety.
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David Cortes says while he found comfort in seeing the massive law enforcement presence, he was skeptical.
“That’s something that made us feel safe, that we saw a policeman on every single corner and everywhere. At the same time, it felt kind of sketchy seeing so many police officers because we’re like ‘Ok is something going on? Do we need to like change streets or something? What’s going on?'” said Cortes.
A few people we spoke to had similar questions when they noticed the large police presence at Peabody Place early Sunday morning.
This is the third shooting in the area in the last week.
Friday morning, officers responded to a shooting at an apartment complex near the FedEx forum. Police say a man was shot following an argument with an acquaintance over loud music.
Last weekend, a man was shot and killed on Beale Street.
Despite those incidents, tourists we spoke to say they still feel safe and secure.
“You get off the beaten path in any city in the world, and it can be dangerous,” said tourist Scott Innes. “As long as you stay in your group, you keep a positive attitude, you keep yourself clean, you stay out of trouble, you’re going to be fine.”
Sunday morning’s shooting is an ongoing investigation. Police have not released a motive.
If you have any information regarding this incident, call Memphis CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
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