A frightening shooting incident outside a Memphis restaurant has led to the arrest of a Tennessee man accused of threatening employees and opening fire after being asked to leave the business.
Authorities say the suspect became angry after workers confronted him about allegedly assaulting a woman inside the restaurant. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the shooting, but police say several bullets struck the building.
Tennessee Man Arrested After Restaurant Shooting
Police identified the accused as Roberto Ortiz, 44. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
According to court records, Ortiz faces several serious charges, including:
- Criminal attempted first-degree murder
- Employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony
- Two counts of aggravated assault
The incident happened on May 2 at around 7 p.m. at Tequila Town restaurant on North White Station Road in Memphis, Tennessee.
Employees Confronted Man Over Alleged Assault
According to investigators, two employees inside the restaurant noticed Ortiz allegedly hitting a woman while inside the business.
The workers reportedly asked him to pay his bill and leave the restaurant.
Authorities say Ortiz became angry after being confronted and allegedly threatened one of the employees by saying, “You’re going to die.”
Another worker later told police that Ortiz also threatened to kill and shoot them as he was being escorted outside.
Suspect Allegedly Retrieved Gun From Vehicle
Court documents state that employees walked Ortiz out of the restaurant after the argument.
Once outside, police say Ortiz went to his vehicle, grabbed a firearm, and began shooting toward the employees.
The workers immediately dropped to the ground for cover while Ortiz allegedly fired multiple rounds.
Authorities say the suspect then fled the area in a gray 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe with a Mississippi license plate.
Police Recovered Evidence at Scene
Memphis Police officers responded to the restaurant after the shooting was reported.
Investigators found nine spent 9mm shell casings at the scene and documented multiple bullet marks on the outside wall of the restaurant near where the employees had been standing.
Police later identified Ortiz as the suspect in the case.
The restaurant workers also reportedly identified him as the shooter during the investigation.
Thankfully, officials said no one was injured during the gunfire.
Ortiz Booked Into Jail
Authorities arrested Roberto Ortiz and booked him into jail on Thursday.
Court records show he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday as the legal case moves forward.
Police continue investigating the incident.
