One Memphis Police Officer Killed, Two Others Shot While Responding to Suspicious Vehicle Occupied by Known Criminal

Kaitlin Housler
Memphis Police Department

Reactions have poured in after Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney was shot and killed early Friday morning while he and other officers were responding to a suspicious vehicle call.

On Friday at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call at Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD).

As officers approached the vehicle, occupied by a 17-year-old and 18-year-old, officers were fired upon, and three, including McKinney, were struck.

The vehicle fled after officers returned fire; however, it was located in the 400 block of Hewlett Road, where one of the suspects was taken into custody immediately. The other suspect fled the scene and was located nearby.

McKinney, one other officer, and both suspects were transported to Regional One Health.

McKinney and the 18-year-old suspect died of their injuries.

The other officer who was brought to Regional One has since been updated to non-critical condition and is “doing well.” The third officer struck by gunfire was treated at the scene for his injuries.

During a press conference on Friday morning, MPD Interim Police Chief C.J. Davis said the 18-year-old had been arrested in March for a gun charge and stealing two vehicles; however, he was released without bond at the time.

Reactions from Tennessee lawmakers poured in after the shooting.

Governor Bill Lee released a statement, saying, “Maria & I are deeply saddened by the death of Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney while serving in the line of duty. Our prayers are with Officer McKinney’s family, the recovering officers & the Memphis law enforcement community.”

Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), who represents Memphis, said, “Please join me in praying for the family of MPD Officer Joseph McKinney, who was murdered last night in the line of duty. I will do everything in my power to bring transparency to what occurred and to why these violent criminals were on our streets. Enough is enough.”

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) also commented on the “heartbreaking news coming out of Memphis,” saying, “Our deepest condolences go out to Officer McKinney’s family and praying for a speedy recovery for the other 2 officers involved.”

Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) was also among state lawmakers who spoke out about the incident, saying, “Our prayers are with these brave officers and their families. Every single officer, every single day, puts their life on the line to protect our communities. We are grateful.”

Members of the Tennessee congressional delegation also spoke out on Friday’s shooting and the death of McKinney.

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said, “I am heartbroken to learn that Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney was murdered in the line of duty while protecting and serving Tennesseans. My prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) added, “I am heartbroken to hear the news of the death of Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney. Chrissy and I are praying for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Congressman John Rose (R-TN-06) said, “Chelsea and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Memphis PD Officer Joseph McKinney in the line of duty. Please join us in praying for the family of Officer McKinney and the two additional wounded officers and their families. Tennessee must do everything we can to protect those who serve our communities and hold those responsible for this tragedy.”

Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) also said, “Roberta and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of MPD Officer Joseph McKinney. Please join us in praying for the swift recovery of the two additional officers who were shot in the line of duty this morning. During this time, Officer McKinney’s family and the entire [Memphis Police Department] will remain in our thoughts.”

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. also released a statement on the incident, saying, “I was deeply grieved upon hearing the news that Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney lost his life during a shooting incident this morning in south Memphis.”

“On behalf of all the men and women of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the Memphis Police Department. We are thankful that the other two officers injured are going to be okay and are healing from their injuries. We pray they will have a speedy recovery. Officer McKinney died protecting the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County and we are truly heartbroken,” the sheriff added.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti also released a statement, saying, “Our prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of fallen Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney as well as the officers injured in the line of fire last night. Our office stands with our law enforcement community and the City of Memphis, and we pray for a swift recovery for those injured officers.”

The National Fraternal Order of Police also took notice of Friday’s shooting, saying, “Please keep the brave officers of the Memphis PD in your thoughts and prayers as three of their officers have been shot this morning. One paying the ultimate sacrifice. The War on Cops in America continues to rage with record numbers of police officers being shot. When will our country, our elected officials, our leaders, our communities, our neighbors, rise up and say No More!”

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has since launched an investigation into the incident.

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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Memphis Police Department Press Conference” by WREG News Channel 3.

 

 

 

 

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One Thought to “One Memphis Police Officer Killed, Two Others Shot While Responding to Suspicious Vehicle Occupied by Known Criminal”

  1. Truthy McTruthFace
    April 12, 2024 at 3:54 pm

    the fruits of dem rule for generations

    Reply

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