Bystander killed, manager wounded in shooting at West Knoxville Hooters

Bystander killed, manager wounded in shooting at West Knoxville Hooters

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- One man was killed and another injured early Saturday morning when a dispute over a bar tab at a West Knoxville restaurant turned to gunfire.

The shooting happened at Hooters on Kingston Pike just before 1 a.m.

Officers say witnesses told them a male customer started a dispute over his tab with a Hooters employee. A manager stepped in and asked him to leave the restaurant.

The man pulled out a gun as he left and fired several shots into the building.

Two men were struck by bullets. Stacey Sherman, 35, a customer from Applegate, Mich., was hit while leaving the restaurant. Kris Key, 25, an assistant manager at the restaurant, was also wounded.

The victims were quickly transported by ambulance to University of Tennessee Medical Center, where Sherman died. Key is listed in serious condition.

After the shooting, police say the suspect fled the scene on foot. He is described as a white male with dark complexion. He is between 5'10" and 6', and 150 to 160 pounds. He is believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s. His hair is in a short ponytail, and was unshaven and unkempt.

At the time of the shooting the suspect was wearing dark blue baggy jeans, black boots, and a black hoody with white stitching that was in diamond pattern.

Officers say the suspect is missing four front teeth and his earlobes are stretched with large dark jewelry. He wears rings on every finger and several necklaces. He was carrying a large black backpack.

Call the Knoxville Police Department if you have any information at (865) 215-7212.