A Memphis, Tennessee, police officer was shot and killed when officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle early Friday morning, police said. One suspect was killed and two other officers and another suspect were injured in an exchange of gunfire during the incident, Acting Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said at a conference. Press.
“We are heartbroken by the lives lost, by the fall of our officer and by this senseless act of violence,” Mayor Paul Young told reporters.
The murdered officer was identified as Joseph McKinney, who had been with the police department for approximately three years. The suspect killed has been identified as an 18-year-old man.
“The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are hurting right now. As Chief of Police, I am hurting right now, once again, by the senseless deaths in our community due to gun violence “Davis said.
The shooting happened when officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle around 2 a.m., Davis said. The vehicle’s occupants opened fire on the officers as they approached, Davis said.
The officers returned fire and the suspects took off, Davis said. After a short chase, the suspect vehicle stopped. One suspect was immediately apprehended and the other was taken into custody nearby after fleeing the scene. They were both taken to the hospital in critical condition with gunshot wounds, Davis said.
One of the injured officers was taken to the hospital and his condition was not critical, Davis said. The third police officer was treated at the scene.
The 18-year-old suspect was arrested last month on car theft charges and released without bail, Davis said. When he was arrested in March, the suspect possessed an illegally modified semi-automatic weapon, Davis said.
The second suspect was identified as 17 years old.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting.
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