Westside Middle School closed after staff member shot
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Westside Middle School announced that they will be closed on Friday after saying a staff member was shot while leaving football practice Thursday night.
The school says the staff member is still receiving medical care but is in stable condition.
While the school works with local law enforcement to investigate the shooting, classes will be canceled as a proactive measure. Classes will resume on Monday.
According to Memphis Police, a little after 8 p.m., officers say they responded to an aggravated assault call involving firearms being discharged on Frayser Boulevard and Dawn Drive.
A shooting victim identified himself to police as the Coach at Westside Middle School. He was suffering from a gunshot wound behind his right ear.
He was then taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.
The coach stated that it started when he was picking up students to give them a ride home after football practice. He says while they were driving, a white Infiniti SUV and Dodge Charger started driving near him.
That is when someone got out of the Infiniti and started shooting at the victim's car. Both vehicles then left the scene.
MPD says the coach realized he had been shot and drove to a nearby fire station on Northaven with the other victims still in his car. The victims told police a male suspect armed with an AR pistol hung out the window while firing shots at them.
The victim's car had three bullet holes in the front windshield, one through the rear passenger side roof area, and one through the front passenger side door. Police say 10 rifle shell casings were on the intersection of Frayser Boulevard and Dawn Drive.
Shortly afterward police say a car crash involving a stolen Dodge Charger took place on Hilis Street, which is up the street from the shooting.
A witness told police that when the Charger crashed, several males got out and got in the white Infiniti SUV before leaving the scene.
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Westside Middle School says security presence will continue to be increased to monitor and maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. Crisis counselors will also be available to support students and staff as needed.
Ms. Chiquita Perry, Westside Middle School principal says, "In addition, we encourage you to speak with your children about the importance of safety, remaining aware of their surroundings, and reporting any concerns they may have. If you or your child has any information about this incident or if there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school administration or local law enforcement.
We understand that this is a concerning situation, and we appreciate your support and trust as we work through this challenging time together. Should you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact the school office. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."
