Memphis (Tennessee): A US military recruiter accused of shooting three fellow soldiers at a Tennessee armory after being told he would be relieved of duty was charged today in federal court.
Amos Patton was charged with committing assaults within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and carrying a weapon during a federal crime of violence.
Patton started shooting yesterday after he was told he would be relieved of duty because of alleged misconduct, according to a criminal complaint filed today. The complaint, written by FBI Special Agent Matthew Ross, does not detail the alleged misconduct.
Patton yesterday was ordered to return government equipment that was in his vehicle, the complaint said. Patton had a small bag with him when he returned. When Patton tried to reach for it, one Guardsman yelled "gun," the complaint says. Patton then opened fire, hitting three Guardsmen, Ross wrote.
Police and National Guard officials said the gunman shot two of his superiors. One was shot in the lower leg and the other in the foot. Both were treated and released, a hospital official said.
The nature of the third Guardsman`s injuries, and his identity, were not clear today.
Patton`s wife, Brenda, declined comment when contacted today.
The armory sits across the street from Naval Support Activity Mid-South. Navy officials ordered a lockdown during the tense minutes after the shooting, lifting it after word came that the gunman was in custody.
