Fight at J. Alexander’s restaurant has customers diving for cover
by: Megan Fayard, Shay Arthur
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man pulled a gun on a customer during a fight Sunday night at J. Alexander’s restaurant in the Wolfchase area, according to Memphis Police.
The MPD is searching for two suspects accused of threatening and assaulting customers on Mother’s Day at the restaurant on North Germantown Parkway.
Police say the altercation broke out around 6:30 p.m. when the ex-boyfriend of a victim’s daughter approached her at the restaurant, holding a gun to his side where everyone could see it. He allegedly told the woman to “get back,” and a fight began.
A woman who attempted to break up the fight was punched in the face by a female suspect, and a man who also tried to intervene told police the male suspect pointed the gun at his stomach.
Reports say the two suspects then left the restaurant in a purple Lexus SUV with Tennessee temporary tags.
“I knew it was serious when the drinks hit the floor,” said witness Joshua Abbott, who was at the restaurant with his wife celebrating Mother’s Day.
“Next thing I know is, somebody from the staff runs through and, it was surreal, like a Bruce Willis movie, he started running through saying ‘Get down, get down!’” Everybody just jumped underneath, started getting under the tables,” Abbott said.
Some people ran out the emergency exit. His wife texted their son, who was supposed to meet them, from underneath the table and told him not to come.
After the event, Abbott, who is a pastor and teaches self defense, said his family decided to stay and enjoy their dinner. He encouraged others not to live in fear.
No one was injured during the altercation.
The restaurant’s corporate office released the following statement:
“The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is our utmost priority. We are appalled by this incident and are cooperating fully with the Memphis Police Department’s investigation. We are taking immediate steps to enhance safety, including adding security personnel to the restaurant to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
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