Amarillo police reveal new details of Polk Street shooting during news conference

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo Police Department held a news conference today to provide details about a deadly shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on Polk Street.

According to police, officers received multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting outside Chesney’s Whiskey Saloon.

During the conference, officials announced that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

23-year-old Robert Kenny Knox was identified by police as the shooter, who used an AR style platform and fired 15 rounds into a crowd of people outside of the nightclub.

“In our investigation, we’ve determined that the firearm used was an AR-style platform, kind of a pistol, with a magazine capacity of approximately 28 rounds,” said Lt. James Clements, homicide unit commander at the Amarillo Police Department.

Police say after Knox fired those shots into a crowd, he then got into a car. That’s when the getaway driver, 21-year-old Nahryah Hilesta Ines Hayes, drove off and fled the scene.

“Inside the bar there was some words exchanged. There was some what we would call maybe some flirting with the girls that caused some anger between some people, but the bars had let out and the crowd was out in front of the sidewalk as usual. When the bars are closing at that time, a little bit of a verbal started at that point, then the suspects left the scene and then everybody started to disperse and leave the area, and that’s when the suspects came back,” said Lt. Clements.

The third passenger, 22-year-old Britt Brinson Cave, was also in the back seat.

Police say nine people sustained gunshot wounds in the attack and were transported to local hospitals.

“Right now, from what we understand, we’re not going to release any information on the victims themselves for the privacy of the families,” said Lt. Clements.

Tragically, 25-year-old John Love Louima succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.

“The motive here is inexcusable. It’s hate-fueled anger. It’s not more complicated than that — it’s stupid,” said Chief Martin Birkenfeld, Amarillo Police Department.

Chief Birkenfeld continued, “We’ve got to do better, and I don’t have all the answers for that. The best we can do from our perspective is to hold people accountable for gun ownership.”

A citizen followed the suspects and provided critical information to 911, enabling Randall County Sheriff’s deputies to intercept the car near Hillside and Bell Street.

The suspects were arrested and taken to the Amarillo Police Department’s Homicide Division for further questioning.

Chief Birkenfeld says the citizen helped this case get resolved within minutes instead of several days.

Both Knox and Hayes face charges of murder and eight counts of deadly conduct/discharge of a firearm.

Cave was charged with public intoxication.

Lt. Clements clarified, Cave was found to have no role in the planning or execution of the shooting.

“He was merely present in the vehicle at the time of the incident and did not conspire or participate in any way.” said Lt. Clements.

Chief Birkenfeld also addressed the oversight of establishments such as Chesney’s, where the shooting took place outside.

“Any business that has an alcohol service permit, we look at that report to TABC. We’ve done that in the past with Chesney’s because of the problems there two years ago. We filed a protest of a renewal of their license and we have yet to hear back from TABC on that, but there’s certainly the potential for consequences there. We’re going to look at every avenue because in the end, we want business to thrive and survive and do well, but not at the cost of public safety,” said Chief Birkenfeld.

The investigation is ongoing and could take several weeks to months.

The chief expressed heartfelt gratitude to the first responders for their swift actions, commending their dedication to protecting lives and assisting those in need during a chaotic and tragic moment.

Lt. Clements and Chief Birkenfeld extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim, those injured in the shooting, and the entire community, acknowledging the deep pain and loss caused by this tragic event.

Police are asking the community to submit any video footage or digital evidence online here.

Anyone with video footage or relevant information is urged to contact 806-378-9468.