A confrontation over a repossessed vehicle turned violent early Wednesday morning when authorities say Iysha Chapman, 26, shot a tow truck driver in the shoulder after attempting to hop into her own car to drive off, court documents allege.
Background
According to an affidavit of complaint filed with the Shelby County courts, two workers from a towing and recovery company received a repossession order for a 2015 Lincoln MKC. At approximately 3:45 a.m., they arrived at a home on Treadwell Street in Memphis, Tennessee, where Chapman was staying.
The tow truck operators told investigators that when they began the repossession process, Chapman came outside and asked to retrieve personal items from the vehicle. The men allowed her access, then instructed her to contact the lien holder about the matter.
When one of the workers asked for the vehicle keys back, Chapman refused and stated, "you all will have to drag it," according to the affidavit. The worker got into the tow truck and prepared to do exactly that.
The Investigation
That's when authorities say Chapman produced a firearm. According to the complaint, she stated, "I will kill you," before allegedly firing a single gunshot that struck the other tow truck worker in the shoulder. The wounded man managed to get into the vehicle, and both workers fled the scene before calling 911.
Memphis Police Department officers responded to the Treadwell Street location and made contact with Chapman. She reportedly told investigators she had missed a payment on Monday but believed she had a five-day grace period. Chapman claimed she attempted to jump in her vehicle and drive off when one of the drivers pushed her back, preventing entry.
Feeling "helpless," Chapman stated she retrieved a firearm from her purse and fired, striking the male victim in the shoulder, according to her account.
Investigators obtained a search warrant and seized a teal .380 Glock pistol containing five live rounds. When shown a photo lineup of six individuals, the wounded tow truck worker positively identified Chapman as the shooter.
Key Takeaways
- Iysha Chapman, 26, has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with the shooting
- The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. Wednesday on Treadwell Street in Memphis, Tennessee
- Chapman allegedly shot a tow truck worker in the shoulder after refusing to surrender her vehicle keys
- She is being held on a $150,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on Monday
What's Next
Chapman was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail following the incident. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for initial proceedings related to the aggravated assault charge. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case.
The repossession of the 2015 Lincoln MKC, which initiated the confrontation, appears to have been conducted under a valid lien holder order, according to court documents.