Memphis officer struck, killed after 3 shot in Memphis

The Commercial Appeal put together a video report of the timeline of the crime spree that led to Officers Smith’s murder and three people being shot. The suspect then fled to a nearby Bass Pro Pyramid where he allegedly shot a male employee.

Then at 10:02 p.m., officers received another call, this time to Bass Pro Shops across the street. I call on every Memphian to remember Officer Smith’s family in prayer and reflection today and in the coming days – and to be grateful for the risky, important work our men and women of MPD perform every day.

Police spotted the auto twice at different points in Downtown before the last incident at Beale and B.B King, according to Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings.

During a news conference on Monday, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced several partnerships that he said should curb crime and violence in the Bluff City. He was taken to the hospital, but has since been released.

Police said the suspect then fled in a vehicle and later struck Smith.

Smith worked for Memphis police for 18 years, Rallings told reporters. “We must not accept this as our norm”.

Those who were close to Officer Verdell Smith said he was a good cop, but he was an even better man. Two of the three people shot remain in critical condition.

Officer Smith is the 41 law enforcement officer to be killed this year in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. The suspect was captured and taken to the hospital in non-critical condition.

Smith’s friends said he was a local hero who gave everything to his community, and therefore it’s no surprise to them to hear witnesses say Smith was hit as he moved others away from the incoming auto.

Welch is being held without bond on charges including the attempted murder of three surviving shooting victims and the death of Officer Verdell Smith on Saturday night near Beale Street, the city’s main tourist drag. Cortez said the victim appeared to be a store employee who had been collecting shopping carts.

“It’s not going to be the same without him”, Rallings said.

“We’re still very early in this investigation, so there’s a lot of things we don’t know”, Rallings said.