Two people were shot on Hwy. 51 in an apparent retaliatory shooting Wednesday night

Covington Police are investigating a shooting that left two people in critical condition Wednesday night.

The victims were traveling northbound on Hwy. 51 when another car pulled up next to them and opened fire. The shooting took place at approximately 7:45 p.m.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene before police arrived.

The victims are both in critical condition. One was airlifted to the Regional One Medical Center in Memphis and the other was transported by ambulance. Their identities have not yet been released.

Police chief Larry Lindsey said he and four extra officers are working tonight. He could not release additional information, but Wednesday’s shooting appears to be in retaliation for an early morning homicide.

Early Wednesday, 20-year-old Nick Howard of Covington was killed on the Hatchie River Bridge just north of the county line. Another man, Chris Howard, was injured in that shooting. Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are investigating, however neither would talk to The Leader when requests for information were made Wednesday morning.

Both shooting are believed to be gang-related.

Anyone with information about Wednesday night’s shooting is asked to contact the Covington Police Department at 901-475-1261.