A Mersin shooting near Tarsus left five people dead and eight others wounded on Monday, May 18, 2026, as Turkish security forces searched for a suspect accused of opening fire at multiple locations in southern Turkey.
The attacks were reported in Mersin province, including the Tarsus district, about 40 kilometres northeast of the city of Mersin. Local reports identified the suspect as Metin Ö., 37, though authorities had not immediately released a full public statement confirming the motive.
Tarsus Restaurant Shooting Sparks Police Search
According to local reports, the suspect first killed his former wife, Arzu Özden, 32, in Çamlıyayla district before driving to Tarsus in a car and opening fire at a restaurant in Kadelli Dörtler Mahallesi.
The restaurant owner, Sabri Pan, died after being taken to hospital, while employee Ahmet Ercan Can died at the scene. The suspect later allegedly shot and killed Yusuf Oktay, who was herding livestock, and Abdullah Koca, a truck driver, in separate nearby locations.
Exact Time Of Mersin Shooting Not Confirmed
The exact time of the shooting was not immediately confirmed in available local reports. Turkish outlets reported the incident by late afternoon on Monday, May 18, 2026, with initial reports published around 5:49 p.m. TRT and later updates issued that evening.
Wounded Taken To Tarsus State Hospital
Eight people were wounded along the suspect’s route. The injured were taken by ambulance to Tarsus State Hospital and nearby hospitals for treatment. Local reports said the wounded remained under medical care, but authorities had not released a confirmed hospital-by-hospital condition update at the time of reporting.
Helicopter-Backed Manhunt Underway
Security forces launched a wider search operation after the suspect fled. Reports said gendarmerie and medical teams were sent to the affected areas, while a helicopter-supported operation was launched to locate and capture the suspect.
Why The Mersin Shooting Matters
The Mersin shooting is likely to deepen public concern over gun violence, firearm access and public safety in smaller districts such as Tarsus. Investigators were continuing to examine the sequence of attacks, the suspect’s movements and the motive behind the killings.
Source note: Latest Turkish reports say the death toll rose to five, with eight wounded; injured victims were taken to Tarsus State Hospital and nearby hospitals. Earlier reports mentioned four deaths, so use the updated five-death version unless an official statement later changes it.
