Grandmother mourns man killed in fatal MPD crash
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG is learning more about the man killed in Friday’s morning deadly crash involving a Memphis Police officer.
Veronica Johnson says she and her grandson, 22-year-old Rantavious Johnson, had just taken a photo together before he left with her car. Less than three hours later she received a call saying he had been shot.
Memphis Police officer killed in crash identified
“By the time I got out the door, Memphis Police was pulling up, two of them, to tell us he didn’t make it,” Veronica said. “I just got my hair cut, and he said ‘Oh grandma, your hair is so pretty let’s take a selfie, and we took a selfie. He took it at like 12:06 a.m., and I guess around one he was dead.”
The investigation continues into the crash and shooting that claimed two lives. A memorial at the North Main Police Station is in place for Officer Demetrice Johnson, who was also killed in the crash.
Saturday, Memphis Mayor Paul Young spoke on the crash.
“Our officers are doing incredibly dangerous work,” Young said. “Not only do they have to worry about gunfire but also erratic driving.”
Rantavious leaves behind a child who will turn 2 years old in October.
Mother of fallen officer says he was ‘exceptional kid’
“He loved that baby so much and the baby probably won’t have any memories of him,” Veronica said. “No more than pictures. He’s got a lot of pictures with him.”
Veronica also shared her condolences for Johnson’s family.
“I’m very sorry. Oh, I give them my deepest condolences and I hate all of this happened,” Veronica said. “I hate it. I hate that it happened. And even if they crashed into Rantavious or Rantavious crashed into them, it’s still an awful accident and I just hate that he lost his life.”
Veronica said the family will meet with homicide detectives on Sunday.
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