Although it's clarified that report of shots fired near the garage at FedEx Forum is false alarm, Memphis Police recover a stolen car, a firearm and marijuana in the parking garage.
- Dec 17, 2021
AceShowbiz - Young Dolph's celebration of life was almost plagued with another tragedy. On Thursday, December 16, people heard what sounded like gunshots near FedEx Forum in Memphis, where the memorial service for the late rapper was held.
According to Jeremy Pierre of FOX13, this happened as people left the public memorial. A video taken from outside the building showed people running in panic and trying to leave the area, while some police officers were seen running across the street.
Shortly afterward, however, it's clarified that the shots were just false alarm. After police's investigation, it turns out the source of the startling sound was from a car which caught a flat tire.
However, Memphis police's investigation in the area also resulted in some arrests. In a statement released on Memphis Police Department's official Twitter page, they said that officers located a stolen Infiniti Q40 in the FedEx Forum parking garage at 191 Beale. They detained three persons who occupied the vehicle and found a firearm.
The statement went on informing, "As officers were detaining the subjects in the stolen Infiniti, a black Mercedes attempted to flee the parking garage at a high rate of speed. The vehicle wrecked out inside the garage, hitting a police. The driver attempted to flee, but the driver and the passenger were detained."
The driver has been identified as Guyland Key, who had nine outstanding warrants, and the passenger was Antwon Flynn, who had a warrant for Theft of Propert $1,000 or less. Officers also recovered a firearm and marijuana. Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to 201 Poplar.
"Officers in the are also observed another stolen Infiniti Q40," the Memphis police added. "The suspects fled the area and crashed the vehicle in the 1000 block of Kyle. The two male suspects were able to elude officers on foot. Suspect #1 wore a red hoodie, and suspect #2 wore a black hoodie."
Young Dolph's celebration of life was attended by family, peers, friends and fans from all across Tennessee. During the live-streamed event, video messages from the likes T.I., Gucci Mane, Gangsta Boo, C-Murder, 2 Chainz and Juicy J were played with a poignant call to end the violence in the streets of Memphis.
"A man should not have to pay a price of death because he excels," said Dr. W.W. Herenton, former mayor of Memphis. "Because he has a lifestyle of his own. Because God gave him talent. He should not have to relinquish his life of being himself when he gives to others… We need to love each other and respect each other. And that's what Young Dolph was about."
Keke Wyatt performed "His Eyes on The Sparrow" and Donnie McClurkin's "Stand", which is said to be one of Dolph's favorite songs. Bobbi Storm sang a soul-touching rendition of "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "You Are My Angel".
Dolph's immediate family, including his longtime partner and their young children Adolph "Tre Tre" Thornton and Aria Ella, also took the stage to share their memories of the late rapper. State Senator Katrina Robinson later announced at the public memorial that November 17 in Tennessee and Georgia will now be known as the Young Dolph Day of Service.
Dolph's son Tre Tre then gave an encouraging message about the future. "If you're feeling sad about my dad dying, I'm going to let you know that everything will be fine," he said. "If you don't know, then I know that I will become a great man just like my dad."
Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., died on November 17 after being shot in Memphis when he visited Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies, a bakery he frequently visited whenever he was back home. He was 36 years old. Two suspects caught on surveillance camera remain at large.
