A Memphis firefighter has been charged with attempted murder after reportedly getting into a physical altercation at the Walmart on Shelby Drive, according to an affidavit from Shelby County court records.
Spencer Hamilton is charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. He is currently out of jail on $50,000 bond.
Memphis Police responded to an aggravated assault on Jan. 19 towards 8 p.m. at the Walmart at 6990 Shelby Drive, according to the affidavit.
A security guard at the store told police that 37-year-old Hamilton got into a physical fight with a man inside the store, according to the affidavit. This man said that Hamilton said that "he was going to kill him" during this fight, according to the affidavit.
The security guard said that he was able to separate them and escort them outside of the store, according to the affidavit. Then, Hamilton ran past them both and got a handgun out of his vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Eventually, Hamilton found the man he had been fighting west of the entrance and fired one shot at him, according to the affidavit.
The other man told police that he was in a nearby business but could see Hamilton continue to look for him, according to the affidavit.
Both of the men were taken to 170 North Main for further investigation, according to the affidavit.
Hamilton declined to give a statement to investigators, according to the affidavit, and he was transported to 201 Poplar.
Memphis Fire confirmed that Hamilton is currently employed as a firefighter but that they are aware of the situation and plan to conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with their protocols. They said that appropriate action will be taken as necessary and that no additional information will be released as of press time.
As crime proves to be a continued challenge for the city of Memphis, how to reduce the pain that it has caused communities remains on the minds of civilians, politicians and changemakers in the area.
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