Authorities said two women were struck by gunfire after a dispute escalated near a Midtown community organization.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two women were hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday after gunfire broke out near OUTMemphis in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, prompting a citywide search for a suspect, police said.
Memphis police officers were called just after 4 p.m. to the 800 block of Cooper Street near Oliver Avenue following reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found two women suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators said the women were not involved in the argument that led to the shooting and instead appeared to have been innocent bystanders caught in the violence. Emergency crews transported both victims to a nearby hospital while officers secured the area and began collecting evidence from the scene.
Authorities said early findings indicate the shooting began after a confrontation between two individuals escalated outside near the Midtown corridor. Police later released surveillance images and a description of a suspect believed to be connected to the case. According to investigators, the suspect was last seen wearing a pink jumpsuit with pink boots, along with a black jacket and black belt. Detectives said the person, identified only as “Jewell,” is known to spend time in areas near Jefferson Avenue and North Claybrook Street. Officers canvassed nearby businesses for surveillance footage while patrol units searched surrounding neighborhoods Tuesday evening. Several roads in the area were temporarily restricted as crime scene investigators photographed evidence markers and interviewed witnesses who had been near Cooper Street when the shots were fired.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people nearby rushed for cover after hearing multiple gunshots. Some restaurant employees and pedestrians in the district said they saw people running from the area moments after the shooting began. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and worked to stabilize the victims before taking them to the hospital. Police did not say whether the suspect fled on foot or in a vehicle. Authorities also declined to specify what sparked the argument or whether investigators believe the shooting was targeted. Detectives spent much of the evening reviewing video from businesses and nearby traffic cameras in hopes of identifying additional witnesses or tracing the suspect’s movements before and after the incident. By late Tuesday, police had not released any information about possible motives.
The shooting happened near OUTMemphis, a nonprofit organization that provides services and support for LGBTQ+ residents in the Memphis area. The organization later acknowledged the violence nearby and said it was cooperating with investigators as the inquiry continued. The Cooper-Young neighborhood is considered one of Memphis’ best-known entertainment and arts districts, drawing residents and visitors to restaurants, music venues and shops throughout Midtown. The area typically sees significant pedestrian traffic during the afternoon and evening hours, especially near businesses along Cooper Street. Tuesday’s violence interrupted activity in the district and left many nearby residents shaken. Memphis has faced continued concerns over violent crime in recent years, with several shootings involving bystanders drawing attention from community leaders and public safety officials.
Police said investigators are continuing to gather evidence and determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting. Detectives are expected to conduct follow-up interviews with witnesses and analyze surveillance footage recovered from nearby businesses. Authorities have not announced whether ballistic evidence or shell casings recovered from the scene have been linked to other cases. Because no arrest had been made by Wednesday morning, prosecutors had not filed charges connected to the shooting. Officials urged anyone who may recognize the suspect description or have additional information to contact CrimeStoppers. Police said callers may remain anonymous while providing information that could help investigators locate the suspect.
Throughout Tuesday evening, patrol vehicles remained stationed along Cooper Street as investigators worked under floodlights to process the crime scene. Residents stood outside apartment buildings and businesses watching officers move between evidence markers and police tape. Some nearby workers said the shooting rattled people who frequent the district because the neighborhood is normally known for nightlife, restaurants and community events rather than daytime violence. “Everybody was shocked,” one employee at a nearby business said while officers continued searching the area. As investigators packed up equipment late Tuesday night, sections of the street slowly reopened, though many questions about the shooting remained unanswered.
Police said Wednesday that the investigation remains active and that the suspect had not been located. Authorities continue asking witnesses and anyone with surveillance footage from the area to come forward as detectives work to identify and arrest the person responsible.
Author note: Last updated May 6, 2026.