A family meal at a Burger King in Memphis, Tennessee, ended in gunfire after two landscapers allegedly confronted a young man over a suspected stolen Apple Watch. Police say the confrontation escalated into a violent assault that left the young man’s father hospitalized with a gunshot wound, while the son suffered injuries after being repeatedly beaten.
According to Shelby County court records, 25-year-old Dale Townes has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony. His alleged accomplice, 30-year-old Trevor Young, has been charged with aggravated assault and accessory after the fact.
Dispute Began in Burger King Parking Lot
The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. Tuesday outside the Burger King located at 1330 Poplar Avenue in Memphis.
Authorities said a father and his son were eating inside the restaurant when a white heavy-duty Dodge pickup truck towing a trailer loaded with a green John Deere lawn mower and landscaping equipment pulled into the parking lot.
According to an affidavit, Townes and Young were inside the truck and believed the son had stolen an Apple Watch.
Investigators said the suspects confronted the son in the parking lot, accusing him of taking the device. Court documents note that the son had worked for Young’s lawn service for several years, meaning the men were familiar with one another.
Son Ran Into Restaurant for Help
Police said the confrontation quickly turned physical.
The son managed to break free from the suspects and ran inside the Burger King seeking help from his father. Authorities say Townes and Young followed him into the restaurant.
After a brief confrontation inside, all parties returned to the parking lot, where the situation continued to escalate.
Father Tried to Stop the Fight
Witnesses told investigators the father stepped in and attempted to calm everyone down and prevent further violence.
However, according to police, the suspects continued aggressively attacking the son despite the father’s efforts to intervene.
When the father allegedly struck one of the suspects in an attempt to protect his son, the encounter turned even more violent.
Father Allegedly Shot at Close Range
Investigators allege that Townes pulled out a handgun and fired at the father from close range.
According to court documents, the bullet struck the father in the left side of his abdomen.
Authorities said Young then allegedly told Townes not to fire another shot, after which both suspects fled the scene in their pickup truck.
Son Allegedly Beaten Repeatedly
Police said the son also suffered injuries during the attack.
Investigators reported that he sustained shoulder injuries after allegedly being struck multiple times with an unidentified object.
After the shooting, Memphis Police officers found the father lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound, while the injured son remained at the scene.
Victims Taken to Hospital
Emergency responders transported the father to a nearby hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
The son was taken to a separate hospital with injuries considered non-critical.
Authorities later confirmed that the father’s condition had improved and was downgraded to non-critical.
Surveillance Video Supports Witness Accounts
During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage captured inside the Burger King.
According to police, the video allegedly showed the son running into the restaurant to escape the suspects before Townes and Young followed him inside.
The footage reportedly matched witness statements, indicating that everyone had exited the restaurant before the shooting occurred outside.
Investigators also recovered a spent 9 mm shell casing from the parking lot.
Son Identified Alleged Attacker
When officers interviewed the son, he reportedly identified Trevor Young as the individual who repeatedly assaulted him during the confrontation.
Witness statements and surveillance footage were combined with physical evidence as part of the investigation.
Suspects Arrested Minutes Later
Authorities located the suspects’ pickup truck approximately 15 minutes after the shooting.
Police stopped the vehicle and arrested both men without further incident.
Townes now faces charges of:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Employing a firearm with the intent to commit a felony
Young has been charged with:
- Aggravated assault
- Accessory after the fact
Court Proceedings
Both defendants were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for a bail review hearing and arraignment.
The investigation remains ongoing as Memphis police continue gathering evidence surrounding the shooting and assault. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the case moves forward.
