Shots Fired at Frayser Taco Bell Drive‑Thru; Employee Nearly Hit

A bullet ripped through the drive‑thru window at the Taco Bell on Thomas Street in the Frayser neighborhood, nearly striking a female employee who was working the window, authorities said. Employees ducked for cover as multiple shots rang out and glass shattered around them.

Memphis Police Department says the shooting occurred just before 9:45 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026. Investigators reported rounds struck the restaurant’s brick exterior, shattered the drive‑thru window, and hit at least one car waiting in the drive‑thru lane; no injuries were reported and a customer in the lane escaped unharmed.

Officers taped off the scene and MPD released surveillance footage as part of the investigation. Hoodline noted officers taped off the scene, and Action News 5 said the department released video showing a suspect leaving the restaurant in a black SUV; the suspect remained unidentified as investigators pursued leads.

The surveillance clip released by MPD appears to show a man and a driver leaving in a small black four‑door SUV, possibly a Ford Escape. Action News 5 provided details visible on the vehicle: a gray hood, a torn sticker on the driver‑side rear passenger window, drive‑out tags, and the letters "JJ" written in chalk on the right side of the front windshield. The man in the footage was last seen wearing a black Nike hoodie, blue jeans, and army green Ugg‑type shoes, and the driver was described as heavy‑set, wearing a hair bonnet and a pink top.

Hoodline reported the employee was “nearly hit when a bullet punched through the restaurant’s window.” Employees at the Thomas Street location were described as rattled after the shots; Hoodline and Action News 5 both say restaurant workers told officers they took cover during the shooting. A busted exterior light and scattered glass were visible at the scene.

MPD investigators are asking the public to review nearby video and submit tips. Police specifically requested footage from passing cars, dash cams, doorbell cameras, and nearby businesses that might show the suspect vehicle. Anyone with information or video is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901‑528‑CASH (901‑528‑2274).

As investigators review surveillance and public tips, no arrests have been reported and no motive has been released. Memphis Police said they continue to work to identify the person seen leaving the scene in the black SUV and are seeking additional footage to corroborate vehicle markings and suspect descriptions.