Tennessee pizza delivery driver shoots teen at apartment complex

Credit: Spencer Platt

Credit: Spencer Platt

A pizza delivery driver shot a man he thought was trying to rob him at a southeast Shelby County, Tennessee, apartment complex, according to a sheriff’s office spokesman.

The Papa John's driver told investigators he was walking back to his car when he noticed two men walking behind him. He said one of the suspects ran up to him in an aggressive manner and pulled out what he thought was a gun.

The driver pulled out his own gun and fired three shots, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s office (SCSO). One of the suspects, an 18-year-old, was hit in the torso. He was taken to Regional One in extremely critical condition.

Earle Farrell with SCSO told WHBQ, "We recovered a gun."

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Investigators said the delivery driver drove a mile and a half away before calling 911.

No charges have been filed at this time.

FOX13 has reached out to Papa John’s for comment. The company issued the following statement:

We are aware of this incident and the local franchisee is working in full cooperation with the authorities. We understand the franchisee is also reviewing the facts internally and will address any employee infractions as appropriate.

So what are your rights when it comes to defending yourself?

The SCSO said if someone is coming toward you with a gun to attack, then you can defend yourself with a gun.

However if someone is coming toward you with a stick, you're are not allowed to defend yourself with a gun.

But again either scenario, it would be up to the DA's office to decide whether charges would be filed.

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