MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police are searching for two male suspects they say broke into more than a dozen cars at Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital and fired shots at a responding security officer Monday night.
According to Memphis police, security officers at the hospital saw two men breaking into cars in the parking lot of the Baptist Women’s Health Center, reports WMC5.
One of the officers said he then pulled up and attempted to block the suspects but they fled the scene in a 2000-2004 model Chevy Impala that was spray-painted.
As the officer pursued them onto Humphreys Boulevard, one of the suspects leaned out of the car, fired two gunshots into the air, and then two more times at the officer. Neither the officer nor his vehicle was struck.
Benjamin Jefferson, whose daughter was being treated at the hospital at the time of the incident, said he looked outside her hospital room and saw police lights.
“I seen at least 10 police cars they were surrounding the building,” he continued. “Like three victims with cars broken out, they were getting their stories.”
Investigators said 13 total cars were broken into but that they do not believe anything was stolen.
“We are aware of an incident that occurred on our campus earlier this morning. It is unfortunate but our security team was prepared and responded quickly,” the hospital wrote in a statement. “We contacted the Memphis Police Department immediately, and we appreciate their prompt response. While MPD investigates this matter, we’ll focus on providing essential and quality patient care.”
As a result of the incident, a representative from Baptist Memorial Healthcare said they’ve installed additional lighting in the parking lot and have extra security patrolling the area.
