Experts say — and local experience proves the point — that gun violence often occurs when disagreements escalate quickly.
That was the case on May 6, 2021 at the Main Event, a bowling and entertainment business on Appling Farms Parkway in an area of east Memphis tucked between Bartlett and Germantown. The scene began with an altercation. When an employee asked three suspects to leave because they were causing a disturbance their anger was turned on him.
One suspect began to beat the man, slamming him to the floor and punching him repeatedly. A second suspect then yelled he was going to “shoot up” the place. As they walked out two of the suspects pulled handguns and pointed them toward numerous patrons inside.
Moments later one man then fired into the business as all three fled. Memphis Police were hurrying to the scene of what now was a multiple-felony crime. The incident was captured on camera and images were shared with the
public.
Two days later a tip came to CrimeStoppers. The anonymous citizen identified John Butler II and John Butler III, father and son, as two of the suspects responsible for the criminal activity. Warrants were obtained for 15 counts of
aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and felony vandalism.
Another tipster called the next day, May 9, to identify Tanisha Smith as the third suspect. A warrant naming her for 16 counts of aggravated assault was
issued.
