David Andre Bates

Detectives with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Olive Branch, Mississippi Police Department are investigating the carjacking of an elderly woman in Olive Brach earlier today. The carjacking led to a chase between the woman’s son and her alleged attacker, which ended with the carjacker being shot. 

About 1:30 this afternoon, Bobbie Gray, 71, had just arrived at her home in the 9100 block of Hickory Drive in Olive Branch.  As she got groceries from the trunk of her 2004 Mercury Marquis, investigators say David Andre Bates, 18, of Memphis, approached her.  Bates was armed with a shotgun. 

Officers say Bates put the gun to her head but did not pull the trigger.  As Ms. Gray screamed, Bates got into Ms. Gray’s car and sped away. 

Gray’s son, Keith, 44, who lives at the home, saw what happened.  With pistol in hand, he got into his 2002 Nissan Maxima and chased Bates.

During the three-mile chase, Gray said Bates pointed the shotgun at him.  Investigators say Gray then shot at Bates three, possibly four times.  Bates was stuck in the left hip by one of the bullets.

Both vehicles continued west on State Line Road when Bates jumped out of the stolen car.  The unmanned vehicle traveled several hundred feet, crossed a ditch and came to rest in a field. 

Gray stopped his car and confronted Bates, telling him not to move.  However, Bates refused.  As he got up, Gray shot Bates a second time, this time in the knee.

Bates was taken the Regional Medical Center for treatment.  He is listed in stable condition this evening.  Olive Branch Detectives say Bates will be charged with Aggravated Carjacking. 

Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies have not yet determined whether Keith Gray will be charged.  Facts of the case are being reviewed by the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.