Memphis police officer killed in shootout: What to know about shooting that killed officer, 18-year-old

Jordan Green and Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·2 min read
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A Memphis police officer is dead along with an 18-year-old police are calling a suspect after an early-morning shootout.

Early Friday, police responded to a suspicious vehicle call that ended with four people injured and transported to Regional One Hospital, according to the Memphis Police Department in a post to X.

Here is what we know about the unfolding situation.

Who was the Memphis police officer killed?

The officer killed was identified as Officer Joseph McKinney, according to Interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis. He was part of the Raines Station alpha shift and joined the department in 2020.

Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney
Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney

"Officer Joseph McKinney exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication, and his memory will forever inspire us to serve and protect our community honorably," read a post on the Memphis Police Department's Facebook page.

McKinney, 26, graduated from the Training Academy in July 2020 and was assigned to the Mount Moriah Station before being transferred to Raines Station.

"Those who knew Officer McKinney or those who wish to pay respects to his memory will be able to do so at Raines Station at 791 East Raines Road," the social media post stated. McKinney's squad car will be parked outside Friday afternoon.

When did the Memphis police shooting happen?

The shooting occurred at 2 a.m. when officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call at Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue in southwest Memphis.

As they approached the vehicle, the department said the officers were shot at and then "returned fire." Two officers as well the two people believed to be in the vehicle were shot, MPD said.

"The vehicle fled and was located in the 400 block of Hewlett Road," MPD said in the X post. "One suspect was taken into custody immediately. One fled the scene and was located nearby. The two officers were transported to Regional One. Both suspects were transported to ROH."

Related: Officials react to death of Memphis police officer: 'Another sorrowful & heartbreaking day'

Who else was injured in the shooting?

The two officers and the suspects were transported to Regional One Hospital. One officer, identified as McKinney, died from his injuries. The other has since been upgraded to non-critical condition. A third officer was later found to be injured, and "grazed" by a bullet during the shootout, MPD said. That officer was also treated at Regional One.

An 18-year-old police believe to have been part in the shooting died at the hospital. One suspect, a 17-year-old, was taken into custody at the scene and taken to Regional One. A third suspect fled and was located nearby, Memphis police said in their X post.

The identities of the others involved have not been released.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney shot, killed: What to know