MEMPHIS, Tennessee — This story has been updated with information from Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
The Main Event Entertainment Center in Cordova reopened its doors Tuesday - one day after an argument between two security guards left one dead.
Memphis Police Department officials said the incident happened Monday night around 7:15 p.m. Authorities released the victim's name and provided more details about that deadly shooting on Tuesday, July 23.
Bennie Cobb with Eagle Eye Security and Training told ABC24 this is an incident that should've never happened, calling it very disheartening, especially for a business that's meant to be fun for families.
According to an affidavit obtained by ABC24, 44-year-old Richard Lewis shot his co-worker James Redmon inside of Main Event on Monday. Redmon died from the gunshot wound. Lewis is charged with first degree murder.
On Tuesday morning, one patron, Fred, who didn't want to give his last name, told ABC24 the building was not open yet to the public. He said it's been a tradition to bring his grandkids to play games at Main Event when he's in town. Fred said they will have to go somewhere to spend quality time after finding out what happened.
"I don't know what the world's coming to in this day and time," he said. "I'm sorry that happened here last night. I don't care it's here or at Kroger or the mall. Sorry it happened."
Documents obtained by ABC24 show that Redmon and Lewis knew each other for five years. The documents state both men were working at Main Event, but it was Lewis's first day working at Main Event. The documents also said both men were arguing about the use of metal detectors on people coming into the building.
ABC24 discovered through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website, Lewis's licensed expired in February 2024. He applied for reinstatement on June 17, but did not have the training requirements necessary for reinstatement. TDCI officials said they officially closed his reinstatement on July 8.
Lewis had previously let his licensure lapse two other times.
TDCI officials said that a complaint has been opened and an investigation is underway.
Cobb said there are requirements each armed security guard must follow.
"The state of Tennessee requires that armed security guards have their license in hand before they actually worked armed," Cobb said. "There's 16 hours of training required for armed security. That's classroom, that's patrol procedure, public safety, carrying and engagement, de-escalation."
Cobb told ABC24 that Lewis using force as a non-licensed armed security guard would leave the company who hired him is at fault.
"That company is not only responsible for making sure that those individuals are licensed, they're also responsible for double checking their license," he said.
ABC24 did reach out to Main Event to confirm if the company was aware Lewis's license expired. They did not respond with an answer. A representative with the company did send ABC24 a statement:
"We are aware of the incident that occurred at our Memphis, TN (Cordova, 7219 Appling Farms Parkway) Main Event location on Monday. We immediately contacted the Memphis Police Department and have been cooperating with their investigation. Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our guests and employees. Any additional inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to MPD."
Lewis is being held at the Shelby County Jail without bond.