Riots erupted in Memphis’ Frayser community Wednesday after U.S. Marshals shot and killed a man wanted on multiple warrants, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
According to a TBI press release, multiple officers with the United States Marshals Service – Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force encountered the man as he got inside a vehicle.
“While attempting to stop the individual, he reportedly rammed his vehicle into the officers’ vehicles multiple times before exited with a weapon,” according to the TBI press release.
“The officers fired striking and killing the individual. No officers were injured.”
According to the Nashville-based WKRN, a crowd formed and people threw rocks and bricks. Twenty-five officers suffered mostly minor injuries. Officers had to use tear gas and cordon off several blocks nearby. Officers reportedly arrested three people.
“Officers on horseback patrolled the area, and lines of police cars with flashing blue lights were parked along the street. An ambulance could be seen at the outer edge of the scene,” WKRN reported.
“A helicopter flew overhead as police cars trickled away. Residential streets were blocked, and a heavy police presence remained in the area Thursday.”
Memphis Police and members of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office also came in to assist, according to the station.
The situation then escalated, and officers donned protective riot gear as people threw rocks and bricks. Police cars and a nearby fire station were damaged, Rallings said.
The TBI is called in to investigate police-involved shootings by district attorneys in Shelby and other counties in the state. TBI investigators then give their report to the district attorney, who will decide whether to pursue charges against officers involved.
The TBI identified the dead man on Thursday as 20-year-old Brandon Webber, WKRN reported.
U.S. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn weighed in Thursday in a press release.
“Thank you to the Memphis Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Marshals for their work to contain the riots and keep the people of Memphis safe,” Blackburn wrote.
“I am closely following the situation and continue to receive updates from the TBI. My prayers are with the officers who suffered injuries and the people of Memphis.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Memphis Riots” by Daily Mail.
Only 3 were arrested? No wonder these thugs do not respect authority.