Tenn. Police Officer Thrown from Car, Run Down Trying to Stop Suspect

A Tennessee police officer is still in critical condition but showing improvements Monday after he was thrown from the roof of a car and run down by a shooting suspect over the weekend.

The incident happened just before 2:30 a.m. Saturday when a Collierville police officer had located a suspect—Keith Houston Jr.—in a Shelby County shooting at a motel, the department stated in an online release. When the officer approached the Houston's Corvette, he sped off in an effort to escape, and the officer was forced onto the car's hood.

As he fled, Houston hit the brakes, throwing the driver off the Corvette. The suspect then is accused of running over the officer, who was able to fire at least one shot as Houston drove away.

Police finally apprehended Houston hours later and is expected to appear in court Monday, WREG-TV reports. 

As of 9 a.m. Monday, the unidentified officer is still listed in critical condition, but he's continuing to show signs of improvements, according to an update posted to the department's Facebook page.

"We appreciate everyone keeping him in your thoughts and prayers," the update stated.