Strickland seeks road rage shooting law
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland plans to ask the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation making prison time mandatory in road rage shootings, after a rash of incidents earlier this year.
Strickland revealed the proposed bill request Friday in his weekly email, which focused on the city’s efforts to reduce crime.
“We’ve had too many of these recently, and it’s important that people know there are stiff consequences should they decide to make this risky choice,” Strickland wrote.
After a pair of interstate shootings on Oct. 11, the Memphis Police Department pushed out a message to the public on its social media channels advising drivers to “watch your speed and be courteous.”
“A moment of aggression is not worth getting involved in a road rage incident. If you see a crime or feel threatened by another driver, call the police,” the department’s statement said.
The General Assembly convenes its 2019 session on Jan. 8.
The city’s state government agenda is expected to be released in December.
Additional federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents are also working with local law enforcement to “aggressively pursue those who commit gun violence,” and nearly 40 Memphis police recruits are slated to graduate next week, Strickland said in his crimefocused email on Friday.
Jamie Munks covers Memphis city government and politics for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jamie.munks@commercialappeal.com or 901-529-2536. Follow her on Twitter @journo_jamie_.