FOX13 investigates interstate shootings in Memphis | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – People around Memphis are afraid to drive on the highway.

FOX13 has reported on way too many interstate shootings. But when children are involved, it's even harder to cover.

On Tuesday, another interstate shooting took place – this time on I-240 at Poplar Avenue in East Memphis, where three children and an adult were injured.

All four were seriously injured, police said.

RELATED: 3 children, 1 adult seriously injured after shooting on I-240 in Poplar, police say

So far this year, police have reported 42 shootings on Memphis highways.

MPD said interstate shootings this year so far are down compared to the same period in 2023, when there were about 58. That's a drop of about 31%.

MPD reported that the highest number of interstate shootings in a year occurred in 2021, with 121.

In 2020, there were 83 interstate shootings in Memphis — followed by 92 in 2022 and 102 in 2023, police reported.

Police told FOX13 in an interview that many interstate shootings stem from road rage.

“Most of the time it's road rage,” said Memphis Police Lt. Robert Hering. “Something that small can make a situation worse and lose a life over something like that.”

Some of the tips police offer drivers to keep themselves safe include:

• Avoid honking
• Distance yourself from other drivers in moments of road rage
• Do not make eye contact with drivers and let them pass
• Avoid making gestures towards the driver