“Tragic Downtown Memphis Crash: Officer Demetrice Johnson Among Two Killed”.
Early this morning, a tragic accident in downtown Memphis left one Memphis Police officer dead and another in critical condition. Around 3 a.m., officers rushed to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard. The collision involved a gray Nissan and a Memphis Police squad car.
When they arrived, they found three men injured, including the two officers. All three were quickly transported to Regional One Hospital. Unfortunately, one officer and the civilian succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, while the second officer remains in critical condition. The fallen officer has been identified as 34-year-old Demetrice Johnson, who had only joined the Memphis Police Department in May 2023. The department is grappling with the loss, with MPD Chief C.J. Davis expressing heartfelt condolences and emphasizing the daily dangers officers face.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the gray Nissan had a gunshot wound, which was the result of an earlier altercation on South Parkway East and Mississippi Blvd. before the crash occurred. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash, while MPD’s Homicide Bureau will look into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and hazardous situations our officers encounter while serving the community.
Police officer among 2 killed in crash in downtown Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Memphis Police officer is dead and a second officer was taken to a hospital in critical condition after an early morning crash in downtown Memphis, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard around 3 a.m. on Friday. They arrived to discover the crash involved a gray Nissan and a Memphis Police squad car.
Memphis police said three men were injured, including the two officers, and all three were transported to Regional One Hospital. That is where one of the officers and the civilian died. The second MPD officer remains in critical condition.
The deceased officer was identified as 34-year-old Demetrice Johnson, who joined the department in May 2023.
“The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson,” MPD Chief C.J. Davis said in a statement. “Today’s tragic accident is a harsh and profound reminder of the dangers our officers face daily as they serve our community.”
MPD said their preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the gray Nissan had a gunshot wound, stemming from a disagreement with another man on South Parkway East and Mississippi Blvd., prior to the crash with the patrol car.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and MPD’s Homicide Bureau will investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, according to MPD.
What Happened in Downtown Memphis?
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Memphis Police officer is dead and a second officer was taken to a hospital in critical condition after an early morning crash in downtown Memphis, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard around 3 a.m. on Friday. They arrived to discover the crash involved a gray Nissan and a Memphis Police squad car.
Memphis police said three men were injured, including the two officers, and all three were transported to Regional One Hospital. That is where one of the officers and the civilian died. The second MPD officer remains in critical condition.
The deceased officer was identified as 34-year-old Demetrice Johnson, who joined the department in May 2023.
“The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson,” MPD Chief C.J. Davis said in a statement. “Today’s tragic accident is a harsh and profound reminder of the dangers our officers face daily as they serve our community.”
MPD said their preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the gray Nissan had a gunshot wound, stemming from a disagreement with another man on South Parkway East and Mississippi Blvd., prior to the crash with the patrol car.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and MPD’s Homicide Bureau will investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, according to MPD.
Who Was Involved in the Accident?
In this heart-wrenching incident, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) lost one of its own. Officer Demetrice Johnson, aged 34, who had joined the force just in May 2023, was one of the victims. His life was tragically cut short when the squad car he was in collided with a gray Nissan. The accident occurred at the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard around 3 a.m.
What Were the Circumstances Leading Up to the Crash?
According to the preliminary investigation by the MPD, the driver of the gray Nissan had been involved in a disagreement earlier that night. The conflict escalated, and the driver was shot while on South Parkway East and Mississippi Boulevard. The wounded driver then collided with the MPD squad car. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is taking the lead on the crash investigation, while MPD’s Homicide Bureau will look into the details of the shooting.
How Did the Community and MPD React?
The emotional toll on the community and the MPD is palpable. MPD Chief C.J. Davis expressed profound sorrow over the loss, stating, “The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson.” The incident has served as a grim reminder of the daily risks faced by officers. The community has also been shaken, with many expressing their condolences and support for the MPD during this challenging time.
What Are the Next Steps in the Investigation?
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is currently handling the investigation of the crash itself, while the MPD’s Homicide Bureau will delve into the circumstances that led to the shooting. This dual investigation is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the tragic events. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation. Updates will be provided as more details emerge, ensuring that both the community and the grieving families receive the justice and answers they deserve.
How Are the Injured Being Treated?
The second officer involved in the crash is currently in critical condition at Regional One Hospital. Medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize and treat him. The civilian driver of the Nissan also succumbed to his injuries, adding another layer of tragedy to this already devastating incident. The focus now is on the recovery of the injured officer and supporting the families affected by this unfortunate event.
This tragic incident has left an indelible mark on the city of Memphis. As the community rallies to support the MPD and the families of those involved, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made daily by law enforcement officers. For more details, you can refer to the official report from WSMV.