A Memphis Police officer died after a crash with an alleged suspect in a shooting early Friday morning.
“At 3:06 a.m., officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard involving a gray Nissan and an MPD squad car,” MPD said in a statement. “Responding officers located three injured males, two of which are MPD officers, and the third male was the occupant of the Nissan. All were transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. An MPD officer and the driver of the gray Nissan were pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second MPD officer remains in critical condition.”
“The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the gray Nissan was also suffering from a gunshot wound,” according to police. “The cause of the crash and the location of the initial shooting are still under investigation.”
Police later said that the shooting stemmed from an argument between two men. The alleged shooter is still on the loose, and police are looking for tips.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol has been contacted to investigate the collision, and MPD’s Homicide Bureau will investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting,” according to MPD. “This is an ongoing investigation.”
Friday afternoon, Officer Demetrice Johnson (pictured above), 34, who graduated from the police academy in March, was named as the deceased officer.
“Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly and an MPD family committed to honoring his memory through service,” MPD said.
“The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson,” said Police Chief C.J. Davis. “Today’s tragic accident is a harsh and profound reminder of the dangers our officers face daily as they serve our community. We ask for continued prayer for all impacted and for the speedy recovery of our injured officer.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
