Man accused of forcing himself on date shoots her after she tries to leave with his car, phone

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman was critically injured after being shot in the back and arm near the University of Memphis.

According to police, officers responded to a shots fired call around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday at Brister Street and Mynders Avenue and found a white Toyota Yaris had struck a pole. Around the same time, officers received another call of a shooting at 3520 Walker Avenue, which is the Highland Oaks Apartments.

This time they located a female victim who had been shot multiple times. She was transported to the Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

The woman told police that it all began when a man she met on the dating app Tagged began to force himself on her while at his apartment at The Nine on Mynders Avenue. When he refused to take her home, the woman grabbed the suspect’s car keys and cellphone, and drove away in his Toyota Yaris.

She was about to leave the complex when the supsect began shooting at her causing her to crash.

The area where the incident took place is surrounded by businesses and apartment buildings that cater to U of M students. Some of them woke up Wednesday to find crime scene tape and police nearby.

“I just thought it was someone who ran into a pole and they just ditched it. Come to find out that’s not what happened,” said Bethany Grantham.

“Campus is right there and campus honestly is not that bad, but there have been several instances like this where there have been shootings,” she added.

Residents of The Nine said another person was shot outside their building about two months ago. That person ended up coming inside.

“It’s one too many times,” said Grantham. “Now my parents are freaking out like what if it’s me next.”

Investigators have not identified the man involved in the latest incident, but said they did recover his cellphone and vehicle. The suspect was described by the victim as being 6’2″, 200 to 300 pounds with dreads. He was wearing grey joggers and a black jacket.

If you know anything about this incident, call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.