In Memphis, Tennessee, tragedy struck as a brave police officer lost his life during a response to a report of a suspicious vehicle. The incident turned into a harrowing exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of one suspect. Additionally, two other officers and another suspect sustained injuries. Interim Police Chief Cerelyn Davis provided this distressing update during a news conference.
Mayor Paul Young expressed his profound sadness over the lives lost, particularly the brave officer who sacrificed his life, and condemned this unnecessary act of violence during a press conference.
Joseph McKinney, 26, the officer who was killed, had been serving the police department for approximately three years, according to Davis. Meanwhile, the Shelby County district attorney’s office identified the suspect who was killed as Jaylen Lobley, 18.
“The senseless deaths caused by gun violence in our community have deeply impacted the members of the Memphis Police Department. As the chief of police, I too share in this pain and frustration,” expressed Davis.
According to Davis, the shooting occurred at approximately 2 a.m. when officers were responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle. As the officers approached the vehicle, the occupants opened fire on them.
Officers engaged in gunfire with the suspects, causing them to flee the scene, according to Davis. The pursuit was brief, and the suspect vehicle eventually came to a stop. One of the suspects was swiftly apprehended, while the other attempted to escape but was apprehended nearby. Both individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a hospital in critical condition.
According to Davis, one of the injured officers was transported to the hospital, but their condition was not critical. The third officer received treatment at the scene.
Lobley was taken into custody last month on charges of auto theft, as reported by Davis. Following his arrest in March, it was found that he was in possession of a modified semiautomatic weapon, which was against the law.
The authorities have identified the second suspect as a 17-year-old individual.
