A tragic incident unfolded in Memphis early Friday morning, resulting in the loss of a Memphis police officer and a teenage suspect during a shootout. The events transpired after law enforcement responded to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle at the intersection of Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue around 2 a.m.
Upon approaching the vehicle, officers were met with gunfire from the occupants inside, prompting a swift exchange of bullets. In the chaotic exchange, two teenage suspects and three officers were struck. Tragically, one of the suspects and Officer Joseph McKinney succumbed to their injuries.
Following the shootout, the suspect vehicle fled the scene, leading to a pursuit by law enforcement. The car eventually came to a stop on Hewlett Road, where one suspect was apprehended. The second suspect attempted to flee but was soon located and taken into custody.
Officer McKinney, who had joined the police force in 2020, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Another officer remains in noncritical condition and is recovering well, while a third officer received on-site treatment and is currently in stable condition.
Both suspects sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Regional One Health Hospital. Unfortunately, the 18-year-old suspect, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle, succumbed to his wounds. The 17-year-old suspect is still receiving medical care.
Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis addressed the media, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in the community. She revealed that the deceased 18-year-old suspect had a prior arrest history, including charges related to stolen vehicles and illegal possession of a modified firearm.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Mayor Paul Young echoed the sentiments of community leaders, calling for a united effort to address the underlying issues that lead to such senseless acts of violence.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, there is a collective call for accountability and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. The loss of life in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of coming together to prevent further tragedies from occurring..
Realted Post :