The following is an outline from the Collierville Police Department of the events that transpired at the Kroger Store located at 240 New Byhalia in Collierville on September 23rd.
This is based on the current ongoing investigation:
The suspect (UK Thang) arrived at the Kroger on Byhalia Road, where he worked as the sole operator (franchise owner) of the sushi counter. After a disagreement with an employee, the suspect was called to the manager’s office and was ultimately asked to leave the store around 7:00 a.m.
Later in the day, the suspect was at his apartment which he shared with his brother. Around 12:30 p.m., he told his brother he was going to go get something to eat and left the apartment. Around 1:30 p.m., he called his brother and told him that this would be the last time that he would talk to him before ending the call abruptly. He then pulled up to the front of the Kroger, armed himself with three guns from the rear seat of his vehicle, and entered the store where he started shooting at patrons and employees. He also exited through the back of the store, where he shot fleeing patrons and employees behind the business. He then returned to the rear receiving area of the store, where he took his own life. Prior to taking his life, the suspect’s actions resulted in 15 people receiving medical treatment at area hospitals, one of which was Olivia King who was killed by gunfire during this incident.
The suspect had ammunition and extra loaded magazines on his person when found by CPD. The three guns used in this incident were legally purchased from licensed gun dealers by the suspect at different times over the past year and a half (ATI Omni pistol - 7.62 x 35, KelTec PMR-30 pistol - .22WMR, KelTec CMR-30 rifle -.22WMR).
The suspect worked inside the Kroger since July of 2020 and resided in the Antioch area of Tennessee before moving to Collierville. The suspect showed to have no criminal history and was cited by CPD for illegally parking in a handicap zone in January of this year.
Current findings suggest that the suspect acted alone. No further details will be released at this time as this is an ongoing investigation.
Please keep the victims of this tragic incident in your thoughts and prayers. Also, the Shelby County Crime Victims Crisis Center stands ready to support the victims and witnesses of this tragic event. Please call (901) 222-3950 for more information.
