The Memphis police has arrested a 19-year-old black American suspect in relation to multiple shootings, one of which he posted on Facebook. The man had gone on a rampage and opened fire randomly, killing four and leaving at least three people injured.
He is also suspected of two armed carjackings during his attempts to flee from the police. The criminal act was spread over eight different scenes, the police said.
The first alert warned of an armed and dangerous man who was responsible for multiple shootings.
People were told to shelter in place, an order that has now been lifted. “Everyone in the area of Ivan Road and Hodge Road shelter in place and stay in the doors,” the order had said.
The suspect has been identified as Ezekiel Kelly and was taken into custody following a major manhunt. He was arrested after he crashed a stolen car.
Earlier, the Memphis Police Department had released an image of Kelly, and said he was in a light blue Infiniti with the rear window busted out. Later, he was believed to be in a gray Toyota SUV.
Fox News reported that at least two shootings were reported as of 7 pm local time–one at a BP gas station and another one that injured a woman.
Mayor Jim Strickland later told reporters that in April 2021, Kelly was charged with attempted first-degree murder but pled guilty to a downgraded aggravated assault charge. He was then sentenced to three years in prison, but was released just after 11 months. Strickland showed his displeasure at the early release and said that this is why truth in sentencing is a must.
“If Mr. Kelly served his full three-year sentence, he would still be in prison today and four of our fellow citizens would still be alive,” he added.
(With inputs from agencies)
