Memphis Woman Arrested for Allegedly Shooting Teen Outside Community Center

Memphis, TN – In a shocking turn of events, a woman has been arrested following a shooting incident that left a teenager injured outside a local community center. The Memphis Police Department reported that the incident occurred on Thursday, September 7, around 3:50 PM in the Whitehaven area.

According to police reports, the violence erupted after a fight broke out between two teenagers. Witnesses say that the victim, a 14-year-old girl, was engaged in a confrontation when an adult woman, identified as Tequila Curry, 43, entered the scene and allegedly used pepper spray on her. Shortly after that, gunshots rang out, and the teen realized she had been shot in the arm.

The girl was rushed to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital by the Memphis Fire Department for immediate medical attention. Thankfully, she is currently receiving care and is reported to be in stable condition. However, this incident has left the local community shaken, raising serious concerns about the safety of public spaces.

After the shooting, witnesses reported seeing Curry flee the scene in a black Chevrolet Malibu, and it was during this escape that she allegedly fired another shot. Investigators swiftly identified Curry as a suspect and apprehended her shortly thereafter.

Curry’s aunt, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke on behalf of her family. She expressed disbelief over the charges against her niece and defended Curry’s character. “She’s not the animal they are pretending she is,” she stated, visibly emotional. “For her bond to be that high, I can’t believe it. I can’t.” The bond was set at a significant amount, which reflects the severity of the charges she is facing.

The aunt painted a picture of a loving family relationship, sharing stories of how they used to play cards and spend time together. “It hurts my heart a ton just to find this out, but she’s not a bad person,” she added. Her understanding of Curry’s motivations was also evident as she spoke about a mother’s instinct to protect her children. “A mother would do anything to protect their children,” she remarked. “I hope what they’re saying is not true, but as a mother, you have to protect your children, and I understand that.”

Authorities have charged Tequila Curry with multiple offenses including two counts of *aggravated assault*, **vandalism** of $1,000 or less, *reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon*, and *reckless endangerment discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle*. Additionally, Curry faces charges for carrying weapons in public parks, playgrounds, and civic centers, along with being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

The community is still reeling from the aftermath of this frightening event, and many are calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety of young people in public spaces. Local leaders and residents are urging discussions around conflict resolution and community safety initiatives. As they come together to support the victim and her family, many are hoping this incident can prompt some serious change in the way violence is addressed in Memphis.

In the wake of this shocking incident, community members are rallying together to support each other and ensure that such an event does not occur again. Many are looking at the bigger picture, considering how conflicts arise among youth and the role of adults in these situations.

As this case progresses through the legal system, the community is steeling itself for the conversation that will undoubtedly follow. It’s clear that the actions on that Thursday afternoon will have lasting impacts on all involved, from the victim, her family, and the accused. As citizens contemplate the implications, there is a collective hope that this situation can lead to improvements in public safety and better support for local families.

More developments will be forthcoming as authorities continue their investigation and the legal proceedings move forward. The safety of our community remains paramount, and the conversations surrounding this incident serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in promoting peace and non-violence.

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.