Ten teens and one adult have been arrested in the Saturday night melee at a Memphis shopping center parking lot that left three people injured, Memphis police said Monday night. A cellphone video taken at the scene shows dozens of young adults storming through the parking lot before knocking down a young man, kicking and punching him on the ground and then pelting him with pumpkins. According to Memphis police, the mob first attacked a 25-year-old man in the parking lot and then fought two Kroger supermarket employees, ages 17 and 18, who stepped in to help. The three victims were treated at the scene, according to NBC affiliate WMC.
One of the suspects, a 19-year-old, was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated riot, while a 16-year-old was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated riot and acting in concert in an aggravated assault, police said. The other eight teens were also charged with aggravated riot. Police had earlier arrested a 15-year-old suspect for aggravated assault and aggravated riot. The investigation into the attack and who may have been involved remained ongoing, Memphis Police Department Sgt. Karen Rudolph told NBC News.
Kroger spokesman Keith Dailey said the company and store officials were working with police as they investigate the "senseless assault." Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. wrote on his Twitter page that he has met with Kroger officials and property managers. The mayor hosted a Youth Violence Prevention Forum two days before the attack, according to his Facebook page.
IN-DEPTH
- Kroger Attack Suspects Slideshow (WMC)
10 teens, 1 adult charged in brutal Kroger parking lot attack (WMC)
SOCIAL
— Elisha Fieldstadt