MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tragedy struck in Southwest Memphis as a Memphis police officer lost his life in an exchange of gunfire with suspects, leading to the death of an 18-year-old suspect and injuries to two other officers and another suspect early Friday morning, according to Police Chief C.J. Davis.
The fallen officer, Joseph McKinney, a member of the Memphis Police Department since 2020, was identified by authorities. The name of the deceased suspect has not been released.
Another officer, initially in critical condition, has been upgraded to a stable condition after receiving medical treatment. A third officer, who sustained a minor gunshot wound, was treated at the scene.
A second suspect, aged 17, was also injured in the incident and is currently in critical condition, as per reports.
Authorities responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle at the intersection of Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue around 2 a.m. A suspect in the vehicle opened fire on approaching officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The vehicle fled but was later found in the 400 block of Hewlett Road. One suspect was apprehended immediately, while another attempted to flee but was captured nearby.
Chief Davis revealed that the 18-year-old suspect who lost his life on Friday had prior run-ins with the law, including an arrest in March for possession of a stolen vehicle and an illegal, modified semi-automatic weapon with a Glock switch for full automatic functionality. Despite the charges, he was released without bond.
The District Attorney and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have been called in to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic events.
Friday’s incident adds to the escalating violence in Memphis, with the city witnessing a rise in homicides. The community is urged to come together to address the issue and prevent further bloodshed, with Mayor Paul Young stressing the need for urgent action and collaboration to combat the rising crime rates.