West Memphis PD investigating shooting on North Gathings

Two injured in weekend violence

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis Police recently proved why so many people admire the heroics of emergency responders.

Most people would flee at the sound of gunplay, but officers moved in when they heard shots fired this past Saturday night. While officers worked a call in the northeast side of the city, they heard multiple gunshots nearby and rushed to the scene at the 2400 block of North Gaithings.

Two gunshot victims were found and rushed to Regional One Hospital. One remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit on Tuesday. The other remained hospitalized in non-critical status.

Police guarded details of the ongoing investigation. The number of rounds and caliber of gun had been withheld along with the name of the victims and any possible motive.

Assistant Police Chief Robert Langston recapped details as investigators continued interviews on Monday afternoon.

“Our officers were actually on another call,” said Langston. “About 8:25 Saturday night officers heard multiple gunshots and responded to that area. Once on scene they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both of those were transported to ROH. The most seriously wounded one is still in ICU in critical condition. Then we got one that was in non-critical.”

Langston said investigators were developing the case.

“We hope to have another update (soon),” said Langston.

As the investigation continues, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the West Memphis Police department dispatch center at (870)732-7555, or Crittenden County Crime Stoppers at (870) 732-4444. All calls will be kept confidential.

Police heard shots fired and responded to the 2400 block of North Gaithings Saturday night and found two gunshot victims. The wounded were still under treatment at Region One Hospital on Monday as investigators worked to develop leads in the case.

Photo by John Rech