Memphis, Tennessee, officer, motorist killed in car crash; 2nd officer critical
Authorities say a Memphis police officer and a motorist who was driving with a gunshot wound have been killed in a car crash
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Memphis police officer and a motorist who was driving with a gunshot wound were killed in a car crash early Friday, authorities said.
Officers were called to the location of a crash involving a Nissan and a Memphis Police Department squad car at about 3 a.m., police said on social media.
Two officers who were in the squad car and the driver of the Nissan were taken to a hospital, police said. One officer and the civilian motorist died at the hospital. Police said the other officer was in critical condition.
Investigators found that the driver of the Nissan had suffered a gunshot wound during a disagreement with another man at a separate location, police said. No charges were immediately filed in the shooting.
The officer who died was identified by police as Demetrice Johnson, 34. Johnson graduated from the police training academy in March, police said.
“Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication,” Memphis police said in a statement. “He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly and an MPD family committed to honoring his memory through service.”
Authorities were investigating the shooting and the cause of the crash.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.