A confrontation inside a Memphis restaurant escalated into gunfire when a man removed from the business allegedly returned with a weapon and opened fire on employees, according to court records. No injuries were reported, but investigators say multiple shots struck the building as workers took cover.
MEMPHIS, TN – A 44-year-old man is facing attempted murder and assault charges after police say he fired a handgun at restaurant employees who had just escorted him out for allegedly attacking a woman. The incident happened just before 7 p.m. on May 2 at Tequila Town on North White Station Road.
Roberto Ortiz has been charged with criminal attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm with the intent to commit a felony, and two counts of aggravated assault. He remains in the Shelby County Jail on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Threats reported before shooting
According to an affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, two employees told police Ortiz was “hitting” a woman inside the restaurant before staff intervened. Workers asked him to pay his check and leave, but investigators say the situation escalated as he was being removed.
One employee reported Ortiz told him, “You’re going to die.” Another worker said Ortiz made additional threats, stating, “I’m going to kill you” and “I’m going to shoot you” as he exited the building.
Employees walked Ortiz out of the restaurant, where he then went to his vehicle, retrieved a firearm, and began shooting at them, the affidavit states.
Evidence recovered at scene
Police responding to the scene recovered nine spent 9 mm shell casings and documented four bullet strikes on the restaurant’s exterior wall near where one of the employees had been standing. The workers told investigators they “got on the ground for cover” as shots were fired.
Ortiz allegedly fled the scene in a gray 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe with a Mississippi license plate. Officers later identified him as the suspect, and employees positively identified him as the shooter.
Authorities did not report any injuries resulting from the shooting. Ortiz was taken into custody and booked into jail on Thursday.
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