Memphis Police Department Officer Joseph McKinney tragically lost his life on April 12, 2024, in the line of duty. The incident occurred as Officer McKinney and fellow officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle. As they approached the vehicle, the occupants opened fire, fatally wounding Officer McKinney.
In response, the officers returned fire, prompting the vehicle to flee. A pursuit ensued, resulting in the apprehension of two wounded individuals after the vehicle came to a stop. One of the suspects, an adult, succumbed to their gunshot wounds, while the other, a juvenile, sustained critical injuries.
Prior to this encounter, the adult suspect was out on bond following an arrest the previous month. He faced charges related to possession of a modified semi-automatic weapon and two counts of grand larceny connected to vehicle thefts.
Officer McKinney was rushed to Regional One Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Additionally, two other officers sustained wounds during the altercation.
