MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two Memphis Police officers were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds early Friday morning after being shot on duty in southwest Memphis while responding to a call.
Interim Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis confirmed one officer did not survive their injuries. Davis identified the officer as Joseph McKinney.
McKinney served out of Raines Station, joining the Memphis Police Department in 2020.
According to Memphis Police, officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call at Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue around 2:20 a.m. Friday.
There, MPD said officers were shot at as they approached the car, and they returned fire.
Two officers were shot and taken to Regional One Hospital. Two suspects, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, were also hit by gunfire, and taken to Regional One.
The 18-year-old, identified as Jaylen Lobley, did not survive. Lobley had been released from jail on his own recognizance in March for past crimes.
The second officer was rushed to Regional One in critical condition, and Davis said their condition was upgraded to non-critical condition. Memphis Police later said a third officer was grazed by gunfire and treated for minor injuries. MPD said that as of April 15, they are at home recovering.
One of the suspects was taken into custody immediately, while the other ran off and was caught by MPD shortly after, MPD said.
MPD had all lanes of traffic in the area of Horn Lake and Shelby Drive closed while they investigated, but it has since reopened.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the shooting.
The City of Memphis released a statement regarding the incident. It is as follows:
We, the Memphis City Council, are deeply saddened by the act of violence that took place last night, resulting in the shooting of two MPD officers, and the death of one officer, Officer Joseph McKinney. We stand alongside the people of Memphis and offer our thoughts and prayers for the recovery of those injured, and express our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones that Officer McKinney leaves behind.
It is no question that the City of Memphis is in need of peace, justice, and much-needed gun reform, in addition to increased access to mental health and wellness resources, which will make our city the safe place we know it can be. We, the Memphis City Council, are committed to doing everything in our power to meet that need, and are actively seeking ways to collaborate with community stakeholders, business leaders, and the Memphis Police Department to join us in our efforts.
Together, the City of Memphis has what it takes to make our city, our community a safe place for everyone. Though the road may be long, we cannot and will not give up on our pursuit of a better Memphis.
