Frustration and fear lingers, one day after witnesses said shooters outside opened fire into a crowded Memphis restaurant, killing one man and critically injuring a second. The man killed has been identified as Alvin Hart, 43.
The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night at O’cielo Mexican bar and Grill in the 4600 block of American Way, near I-240 and Perkins.
Cell phone cameras rolled as gunfire rang out, and other customers lashed out on social media in the aftermath of this deadly shooting.
O’cielo reopened Thursday afternoon, and those who work there promised bulked up security after bystanders said two people fired outside into the restaurant, got into separate cars, and fired more shots as they drove away.
You can hear at least a dozen gunshots ring out on one cell phone video, capturing the dramatic and deadly scene Tuesday night at the restaurant.
“It was shocking. Just trying to get out of there,” said DeAngelo Mosley. Mosley said he heard the shots and rushed to a back exit. “Screaming, yelling, tables, glass, everyone pushing and
“We send our apologies and prayers to the family,” said an O’cielo worker who did not want to be identified. The worker said several people tried getting in through an exit door, and avoided the standard pat down from security officers. “We try to keep everyone safe.”
The employee said when the group was not allowed inside, a fight broke out, and two people fired from the parking lot into the restaurant. The worker said the people went into separate cars, and fired more shots as they left the scene.
“We thought it was over because it took one or two minutes to get into his car but then he leaves and that’s when the shots started again.”
O’cielo’s staff said in wake of this deadly shooting, they’re expected to toughen the dress code, and add more security officers.
Police records show two people were injured after a shooting outside this establishment in the summer of 2015.
The is the city’s 219th homicide of 2016. MPD yet to make any arrests in this case.
Statement from O’Ceilo:
“Thank you to everyone who was concerned enough to give us a call and to make sure everyone was okay. Unfortunately, the irresponsible actions of individuals who had no conscious of the damage he would cause, has resulted in a fatality of an innocent person. Thank you to everyone who has sent good wishes and the prayers to the victim’s family. Unfortunately it was out of our control of the individual shooting from take outside towards the crowd. Thank you for your concern. Our prayers to the friends and Family. Justice will be served Swiftly.”
