MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The lawyer for a man charged in a fatal shootout with an off-duty Memphis police officer says it appears his client was trying to defend himself.

William Massey said Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, that he is representing 36-year-old Lorenzo Clark on state charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Police say Clark got into an argument with 31-year-old Terence Olridge, and the dispute escalated into an exchange of gunfire between the two neighbors Oct. 11, 2015.

Police say Olridge, who was on his way to work when the argument started, was shot multiple times and died at a hospital.

Massey says he cannot discuss the cause of the argument. But he says “it appears there is ample evidence” Clark was trying to defend himself from Olridge.

(Sarah Himes)