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MEMPHIS, TN — A car theft turned violent late Wednesday night in North Memphis, resulting in two individuals sustaining gunshot wounds after an exchange of gunfire.

Memphis Police Department officers were dispatched around 10 p.m. to the 1000 block of Delmar Avenue following reports of an aggravated assault involving gunfire. Shortly after, a male gunshot victim was located on the porch of a home in the 200 block of Decatur Street, pleading for help. The resident at that location told investigators she did not know the man.

According to police, the incident began when a man visited his girlfriend’s residence and left his vehicle running while he stood outside. During that brief moment, an unknown suspect entered the vehicle and began to drive away. The vehicle’s owner pursued the suspect, at which point the suspect reportedly opened fire. The man returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times.

A nearby residence on Delmar Avenue was hit during the gunfire exchange, but no occupants were injured. The suspect continued driving before crashing the stolen vehicle. He was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.

In a related development, a second individual arrived at Regional One Hospital later with a gunshot wound to the ankle. He claimed he did not know where he had been when the shooting occurred. As of now, police have not confirmed any connection between this individual and the earlier shooting.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced any charges as of this writing.

This incident underscores a key point in personal security: small oversights can have serious consequences. In this case, leaving a vehicle running and unattended—even briefly—created an opportunity for a theft to occur. Always turn off and lock your vehicle, especially in public or unfamiliar areas. Preventing crimes of opportunity can often be the first step in avoiding more dangerous encounters.