Memphis Police officer Joseph McKinney during an exchange of fire in Whitehaven

According to Police Chief C.J. Davis, both a Memphis Police officer and an 18-year-old suspect lost their lives following an exchange of gunfire early Friday morning, which also left two other officers and another suspect wounded.

The officer who tragically lost his life has been identified by MPD as Joseph McKinney, who became part of the department in 2020.

The identity of the deceased suspect has not been disclosed. While a second officer was initially hospitalized, their condition has since improved to non-critical.

Additionally, a third officer, who sustained a grazing gunshot wound, received treatment at the scene.

Another suspect, aged 17, sustained injuries and has been apprehended. “As chief of police, I am deeply saddened at this moment,” Davis expressed outside Regional One hospital. “Today, our purpose is not only to discuss last night’s events but to implore our community to end gun violence.”

The shooting took place at the intersection of Hewlett Road and Horn Lake Road in Southwest Memphis.

According to Memphis Police, at approximately 2 a.m., officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle at the intersection of Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue.

Upon approaching the vehicle, a suspect discharged shots at the officers, prompting them to return fire. The vehicle then fled the scene and was subsequently discovered in the 400 block of Hewlett Road.

While one suspect was promptly apprehended, another attempted to escape but was apprehended nearby, as stated by the police.

Davis stated that the 18-year-old, who succumbed to injuries on Friday, had previously been apprehended in March for his involvement in a stolen vehicle incident.

During the arrest, law enforcement recovered an illegal modified semi-automatic weapon with a Glock switch, enhancing it to fully automatic. He faced charges related to the possession of two stolen vehicles and a programming device utilized in car theft.

Despite the charges, he was released without bond, Davis noted. Both the District Attorney and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have been enlisted to oversee the investigation.

Mayor Paul Young emphasized the need for collective community action to combat violence, urging urgent involvement from residents.

“We require a unified community effort,” Mayor Young asserted, stressing that everyone must contribute to reversing the trend of violence.