The Memphis Police Department (MPD) is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Frayser neighborhood, specifically at the Easy Shot Gas Station on Frayser Boulevard. The incident unfolded when a Memphis police officer from the Austin Peay precinct arrived at the scene as shots were being fired. Fortunately, the officer was unharmed during the event. The officer’s arrival occurred while a shootout was in progress, leading to a rapidly developing situation.
Initial Incident and Officer’s Response
The shooting took place in the afternoon, drawing immediate attention from the MPD. As the officer pulled into the gas station, a white Ford vehicle sped away from the location. According to Deputy Chief John Crow, the occupants of the white Ford bailed out of the car in a nearby neighborhood located at Hillside Avenue and Mount Harris. The suspects, who were involved in the gunfight, fled on foot, leaving the scene in disarray.
The police officer on the scene fired a shot at one of the two suspects as they were attempting to flee. The officer’s actions were a direct response to the escalating threat posed by the armed suspects. However, it remains unclear whether the shot fired by the officer struck any of the suspects. Despite the chaos, the officer remained uninjured and continued to pursue the suspects as they fled through the neighborhood.
Ongoing Investigation and Suspect Apprehension
Following the foot chase, which involved navigating through backyards, fences, and drainage areas, one suspect was apprehended at the original scene, the Easy Shot Gas Station. The captured individual was taken into custody by Memphis police officers.
However, two additional suspects, who were also involved in the incident, remain at large. The MPD has launched an extensive manhunt to locate these individuals, with efforts focused on tracking down the white Ford vehicle that played a central role in the event.
The police have disclosed that they recovered a firearm in the Frayser neighborhood, adding a critical piece of evidence to their investigation. This discovery may provide further insights into the events leading up to the shootout and the identities of the suspects involved. Despite the recovery of the firearm, the MPD has not yet confirmed whether the officer’s shot resulted in any injuries to the fleeing suspects.
Injuries and Community Impact
During the pursuit, several officers sustained minor injuries consistent with the physical demands of a foot chase through challenging terrain. The injuries included contusions, abrasions, and sprains, all of which were the result of the officers’ efforts to apprehend the suspects. Despite these injuries, no officers were seriously harmed, and they continued to perform their duties in the wake of the incident.
The officer-involved shooting has left the Frayser community on edge, with residents expressing concern over the safety of their neighborhood. The presence of armed suspects and the subsequent police chase have heightened tensions in the area, prompting increased police patrols and a heightened sense of vigilance among community members. The MPD is working diligently to reassure residents and restore a sense of security in the affected neighborhoods.
Appeal for Public Assistance
As the investigation continues, the MPD is appealing to the public for assistance in locating the remaining suspects. The department has released the first three letters of the white Ford’s license plate—BRT, standing for Bravo, Romeo, Tango—and is urging anyone with information about the vehicle or the suspects to come forward. Crime Stoppers has been enlisted to gather tips, and the public is encouraged to contact them at 528-CASH (528-2274) with any relevant information.
The search for the remaining suspects is ongoing, and the MPD is determined to bring those responsible for the shootout to justice. The department is utilizing all available resources, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence, to piece together the events that led to the shooting and to identify the individuals involved. The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Conclusion
The officer-involved shooting in Frayser has underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to violent incidents and the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety. As the MPD continues its investigation, the department is focused on apprehending the remaining suspects and preventing further violence in the community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in police work and the critical role that law enforcement plays in maintaining order and protecting the public.
