A Memphis police officer and an 18-year-old male suspect were killed during a shootout on an early morning in Tennessee. The deceased suspect had previously been arrested last month with an illegal weapon but was released without bond. A second officer was injured but is in non-critical condition, while a third officer was grazed by a bullet during the incident. Another 17-year-old suspect was shot and is expected to survive. Officer Joseph McKinney, who had joined the department in 2020, was fatally shot when police responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in Whitehaven, Memphis.
When officers approached the dark-colored sedan, the suspects inside the vehicle opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of Officer McKinney. Police quickly returned fire as the suspects fled in the car but were eventually stopped a short time later. One suspect was apprehended immediately, while the other attempted to flee but was later caught nearby. The suspects were rushed to a hospital in critical condition, with the 18-year-old succumbing to his injuries later on. The suspects have not been identified, and the second officer injured in the incident is expected to recover. Interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis expressed sorrow and highlighted the impact of the tragic event on everyone involved.
Davis emphasized the emotional toll the incident had on the community, with families of both the officer and suspects grieving the losses. The Memphis Police Department is deeply affected by the senseless deaths resulting from gun violence. Video footage from the scene depicted the suspects’ vehicle with bullet holes, showing the intensity of the shootout. Davis disclosed that the deceased 18-year-old suspect had been arrested the previous month with a modified semi-automatic weapon with a Glock switch attached. The weapon was converted to a fully automatic machine gun, and the suspect was charged with other offenses but released without bond.
In 2023, Memphis recorded a record-breaking number of homicides, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the city. The incident involving the police officer and suspects further underscored the risks faced by law enforcement officers in their line of duty. The Memphis community mourned the loss of Officer McKinney and expressed support for his family during this difficult time. The incident also highlighted the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Department of Justice initiated an investigation into Memphis law enforcement following the incident, indicating the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability and reforms to ensure public safety.
