MEMPHIS, Tenn — Memphis Light, Gas and Water officials said Monday, after the last month of storms have caused thousands of power outages and frustrations across the Memphis area, they are now dealing with threats being made to employees and their family members.
According to MLGW, Friday, July 21, 2023, a customer threatened the family member of MLGW CEO and President Doug McGowen. The utility said the matter was turned over to Memphis Police, who are investigating.
An MPD report said just before 7 p.m., a woman knocked on the front door of McGowen's home, and when his family member answered, the woman said "well at least you have power," and "Your husband needs to retire." MPD said the woman began cursing and walked off. According to the report, the victim followed the woman, who got into her vehicle and reportedly said "F*****g b***h, I will run you over," then took off.
The report said MPD officers tracked down the suspect, who they said admitted to being at the McGowen's home, and she was told she was not allowed on the property.
In a statement released July 24, MLGW said, “Our community has been battered by an unprecedented number of strong storms since early June. We understand how incredibly frustrating and inconvenient it can be to lose power, food and medicines -- even more so when it happens multiple times in a short span.
However, that frustration should not be visited on our employees or their families. It is out of bounds and inappropriate to harass, intimidate or threaten employees who have been working incredibly hard, in arduous circumstances, to restore power to our neighbors, friends and family. Threats against MLGW employees or their families will not be tolerated. “