Crime & Public Safety
Arrest made after gun is drawn during fight at Memphis Zoo
A fight at the Memphis Zoo on Tuesday afternoon led to an arrest after one person allegedly produced a firearm, officials say. The disturbance occurred during the zoo’s free admission day and prompted employees and an on-site Memphis police officer to intervene around 1:30 p.m.
According to zoo officials, a domestic argument between two visiting groups escalated and a man allegedly pulled out a gun. Employees who witnessed the altercation notified the on-site officer, who intervened and requested backup. Additional Memphis officers arrived, detained one man and four women at the scene, and secured the area while the investigation continued. Zoo staff said the attraction remained open during the police response.
Memphis police booked the man at the Shelby County Jail, charging him with aggravated assault and having a prohibited weapon. Officials say no shots were fired and no visitors were injured. One woman was issued a misdemeanor citation for assault. Those allegations are from the investigating agency; criminal charges have been filed against the man and a citation issued to a woman.
As of Tuesday night the central male suspect remained in custody at the Shelby County Jail, and the zoo declined interview requests pending the ongoing police investigation.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.