A Tennessee man has been identified after shooting a killing a renowned Tennessee surgeon in a Collierville examination room Tuesday, according to police.
On Wednesday morning, the Collierville Police Department identified 29-year-old Larry Pickens as the alleged gunman who killed Tennessee surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Mauck, News Channel 3 reports. Pickens was reportedly one of Mauck’s patients.
According to Major David Townsend, Pickens carried out the targeted attack during a “one-on-one encounter” at the Campbell Clinic Orthopedics in Collierville.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, multiple employees and other patients were inside the clinic when the shooting took place at about 2:30 p.m., but there were no other victims.
Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane said that Pickens had been treated at the medical center a few hours before the attack occurred. Lane added that police arrived at the scene quickly and took Pickens into custody within five minutes.
“Again, we’re talking about a guy who ran from a shooting scene, and he’s in custody within five minutes, without additional loss of life, including our team, the suspect,” Lane said.
View this post on Instagram
“We are shocked and heartbroken to confirm the incident resulted in the tragic loss of one of our highly respected and beloved physicians, Dr. Ben Mauck. We ask that you please lift his family in prayer,” Collierville Clinic said in a statement following the incident.
“During this difficult time, we will be working through many details and will keep you updated as we are able.
“We have decided to close all Campbell Clinic locations tomorrow, July 12 and will communicate the reopening of all facilities at a later time.
“We appreciate our local law enforcement officers who responded within minutes. We will continue to work closely with authorities as this remains an active investigation.
“Our priorities remain Faith, Family and Patient Care. At this time, we ask for your prayers for the entire Campbell Clinic family, as well as for the privacy of Dr. Mauck’s family.”
Pickens is facing murder and aggravated assault charges. He remains behind bars on a $1.2 bond amount. He’s scheduled for arraignment Thursday at the Collierville Town Court.
Last month, Mauck was named one of the top doctors in Memphis by Castle Connolly, Memphis Magazine reported.
The motive is unknown at this time. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: Benjamin Mauck/Campbell Clinic]
