A Tennessee police officer was killed, and another was critically injured early Friday when their cruiser collided with a car carrying a gunshot victim, who also died.
The crash involving Memphis Police Officer Demetrice Johnson and an unidentified officer happened shortly after 3 a.m. in the city's downtown, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. According to police, a man shot and wounded during an argument at another location was fleeing that scene in a vehicle when he collided with the officer's cruiser.
All three men were rushed to the hospital, where Johnson and the gunshot victim were pronounced dead. The other officer remains in critical condition.
"Today's tragic accident is a harsh and profound reminder of the dangers our officers face daily as they serve our community," interim MPD Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis said in a statement.
Johnson had been with the department since May 2023 and had graduated the academy in March. A memorial car to honor Johnson has been set up outside the station where he worked.
"Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication," the department stated in a social media post. "He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly and an MPD family committed to honoring his memory through service."
It's unclear how the collision happened. The crash is under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
