Memphis, TN – Recent updates reveal positive developments in the case of a family shot on I-240 earlier this week in what Memphis Police described as a road rage incident. Two of the children injured in the shooting are showing signs of improvement, while two others remain in critical condition. Fortunately, their father has been discharged from the hospital, marking a step towards recovery for the affected family members.

Good Samaritans’ Swift Action Amidst Chaos

The incident, which occurred near Poplar Avenue in East Memphis on Tuesday, sparked immediate response from bystanders including Marcus Ross and his brother. Ross recounted hearing multiple gunshots while they were stuck in traffic with their own children in the car. Without hesitation, they rushed to assist the injured family.

Ross vividly described the harrowing scene: His son fell on the ground and he was screaming, ‘my son had just got shot.’ In a moment of urgency, Ross and his brother sprang into action, helping the distraught father who pleaded for assistance in rescuing his children trapped in the vehicle.

Impromptu Rescue Efforts Amidst Traffic

We were already running towards him, Ross recalled, and my brother picked up the son, and the dad was like, ‘hold on! I got some more kids in the car.’ The four young children, ranging from 2 to 8 years old, along with their father, sustained injuries during the shooting.

A photo obtained by NEWS.ORG 13 captures the gravity of the situation, showing Ross’s brother Diamond Harper cradling the critically injured eight-year-old while Ross stood nearby, poised to assist further.

Urgent Dash to Medical Aid

In a remarkable display of compassion and swift action, Ross and his brother transformed their vehicle into an emergency transport. I’m flying through traffic. I’m blowing the horn, Ross recounted, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The father and children worked together to keep the young victims conscious as they rushed towards medical help. Initially taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital, they were later transferred to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for specialized care.

Personal Tragedy Fuels Selfless Act

Reflecting on the incident, Ross revealed a deeply personal motivation: Both of us lost children last year. I lost a daughter last year and he lost a son last year. This shared grief intensified their resolve to prevent another family from enduring similar heartbreak. I wouldn’t want anyone else to lose their children, Ross emphasized, highlighting the profound empathy that guided their actions.

Community Response and Call for Change

Despite their heroic efforts, Ross humbly declined to accept the label of hero, instead attributing bravery to the eight-year-old victim. He was encouraging his younger siblings that they will all be okay despite his own injuries, Ross recounted.

The incident has prompted broader discussions about ongoing gun violence in Memphis. Memphis really came together from the police to the people who assisted the police, Ross observed. This collective response underscores the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: A Call for Unity in Crisis

The resilience and solidarity demonstrated by Marcus Ross and his brother during the I-240 shooting highlight the capacity for compassion amidst chaos. Their actions serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis.

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