Memphis Police officer killed in crash identified
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis Police officer who was killed in the line of duty after an early morning crash downtown has been identified as 34-year-old Demetrice Johnson.
Johnson graduated from the Memphis Police Department Training Academy in March 2024 and was assigned to the North Main Station in the Pinch District.
He leaves behind a wife and young son, the Memphis Police Association said.
ORIGINAL STORY: MPD officer, civilian dead; officer critical following crash on Danny Thomas
City leaders and government officials from across the Mid-South have expressed their condolences after the fatal wreck killed Johnson, a civilian, and critically injured another officer who has yet to be identified.
“The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson. Today’s tragic accident is a harsh and profound reminder of the dangers our officers face daily as they serve our community. We ask for continued prayer for all impacted and for the speedy recovery of our injured officer.” said Interim Police Chief C.J. Davis.
Mayor Paul Young released a statement saying, “We grieve alongside the Memphis Police Department and our community today. Our prayers are with the families as we remain focused on the work of creating a safer community for all.”
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner expressed his condolences to the families of both officers saying, “I was deeply saddened upon hearing the news of the passing of a Memphis Police Officer this morning in downtown Memphis. On behalf of all the men and women of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to the officer’s family, friends, and the Memphis Police Department. We also pray that the other police officer critically injured will have a speedy recovery. The Memphis Police Officer died protecting the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County, and we are truly heartbroken.”
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy shared MPD’s Facebook post saying,
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson, who tragically lost his life while serving and protecting our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow MPD officers during this difficult time. As we mourn this tremendous loss, we reaffirm our commitment to the goal for which officers like these have dedicated themselves.”
The Memphis Police Association Charitable Foundation is raising donations for Johnson’s family on Facebook. MPACF says Facebook will pay the processing fees so every donation goes directly to the family.
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Just after 3 a.m., officers say they responded to the crash involving an MPD cruiser and a gray Nissan on Danny Thomas Boulevard and Mississippi Boulevard. Both cars were totaled.
According to reports, before the wreck, the driver of the Nissan had been shot after getting into a disagreement with another person near South Parkway and Mississippi Boulevard.
This is a developing story. WREG will provide updates as they become available.
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