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Memphis Fire Department conducts smoke detector blitz

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Memphis Fire Department took advantage of the daylight saving time switch to kick off a massive smoke detector blitz Sunday.

City leaders want Memphis to be top 'Aerotropolis'

MEMPHIS, TN-

(WMC-TV) - Several cities across America are in a race to become North America's top Aerotropolis. City leader believe Memphis is fairing well in the competition for federal dollars.

"'Aero' means 'air,' and 'tropolis,' like Metropolis in Superman, means 'city' so in essence, it's 'Airport City,'" said Aerotropolis Project Manager Chad Bowman.
Bowman hopes that the definition will become second nature to all Mid-Southerners.
The Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development is using a federal grant to lay out a plan that will impact the entire area.
"Extends out 50 square miles around the airport and then extends 25 miles into the region impacting North Mississippi, west Arkansas as well as Shelby County and the Memphis area," said Bowman. 

Man recovering after legs severed while fixing flat

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A man is recovering at The MED in satisfactory condition after both his legs were severed while fixing a flat in the Southwind area Wednesday night.

Michael Owens, 38, was fixing a tire going westbound on Winchester Road.

Owens called for help from a friend. When the friend arrived, he parked his vehicle behind Owens with his flashers on.

A short time later a Ford F -150 made full impact with the rear of the second vehicle which drove it into the Camry while Owens was standing at the trunk.

The impact severed his legs and pinned him under the vehicle. He was then airlifted to the Med in extremely critical condition.

The accident scene is a reminder for drivers to watch out on the road, and pull over to avoid a crash.

Mike Steele with Grimes Tires said the best thing you can do is get out of the car through the passenger side door, and call for help.

Teenager, adult shot in S. Memphis

(WMC-TV) - Two people were shot in the 300 block on Silverage Avenue in South Memphis Sunday night, according to Memphis Police.

Memphis Police found one teenager, and one adult with gunshot wounds.

The adult was taken to The MED by ambulance, and the teenager was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Both victims are in non-critical condition according to police.

There are possibly other victims, but none have been located. No arrests have been made.

This investigation is ongoing. Action News 5 crews are at the scene learning more about what happened.

Check back with WMCTV.COM, this story will be updated with more information as it is received.

Copyright 2013 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.

FedEx Panda Express will take to the skies with precious cargo

Da Mao

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The FedEx Panda Express will take to the skies for this sixth time in the spring as it moves two giant pandas from China to the Toronto Zoo. In addition to FedEx Express playing a big role in the move, the Memphis Zoo will also play an important part.

A 5-year-old female panda named Er Shun, and a 4-year-old male panda named Da Mao will be VIPs on a charter flight to Toronto.

"These rare animals are beautiful symbols of China and represent the truest definition of ‘precious cargo' for the FedEx team," said Lisa Lisson, president, FedEx Express Canada.

Since bamboo does not grow well in Canada, the Memphis Zoo will help out by sending regular shipments of bamboo to the Toronto Zoo from its farm at the Agricenter. The zoo will begin by sending multiple species of bamboo in order to figure out which type Er Shun and Da Mao prefer.

Man found in field identified as judge's missing father

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The man found dead in a South Memphis field Monday morning is confirmed to be 78-year-old Willie Burnett, who was reported missing over the weekend.

Burnett's body was found near Peebles Road and Gill Road against a fence at an MLGW service center.

Burnett is the father of Shelby County Judge Betty Moore. He was last seen Friday morning around 6 a.m. driving a 2004 GMC black Sierra pickup truck with a silver toolbox in the back. A City Watch was issued for him over the weekend.

He suffered from Alzheimer's and dementia for three years, but Judge Moore said it has gotten worse the last three weeks.

"I just think my dad got completely confused, turned around, and sat down at the fence and went home to be with his two sons he lost years ago and his folks," she said.

Judge Moore says it is not easy losing her father but her family now has closure after searching for him all weekend.

MPD officer helps deliver baby on side of road

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - It's an incredible story... a precious baby boy was delivered on the side of the road with help from a Memphis police officer.

The baby came a few days early and he was born at 2 a.m. on American Way near Cherry Road.

MPD said one of their officers helped save the infant's life.

Weighing six pounds and eight ounces, the bundle of joy literally could not wait to get here.

"He's wonderful. He's breathing right. He's got his color coming in," said the mother who asked not to be identified.

The baby and his mother are now recovering in the hospital after his unique entrance into the world.

She went into labor in the middle of the night and tried to make it to the emergency room. Instead, they had to pull over.

"When I actually felt his head, I was like we're not going to make it...I was like, 'Oh my God, I can't believe this is happening,'" said the mother.