MEMPHIS, TN - Authorities with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) have released the name of the officer who was killed in a vehicle crash that stemmed from a late night shooting.
According to ABC 24, the fallen officer is 34-year-old Demetrice Johnson. The car crash involved a gray Nissan and a police car at the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard, leaving Johnson and one citizen dead with another officer critically injured.
MPD interim Police Chief CJ Davis said in a statement, "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."
Johnson was new to the force, beginning his career with MPD in May 2023. He graduated from the Training Academy in March 2024 and was assigned to the North Main Station.
MPD said in a statement, "Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly and an MPD family committed to honoring his memory through service."
According to ABC 24, police were called to the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard at 3:00 a.m. for a crash. Upon arriving on scene, officers located three injured men. Two of the victims were MPD officers and the third was the driver of the Nissan. The driver of the Nissan appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.
Investigators were able to determine that the initial shooting took place near S. Parkway E and Mississippi Boulevard. According to the investigators, there was a disagreement between the driver of the Nissan and another man at the scene on S. Parkway E. All three of the men were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Officer Johnson and the driver of the Nissan, who has since been identified as 22-year-old Rantavious Johnson, were both pronounced dead at the hospital. Two men, who live in South City Apartments, said that they heard and saw the aftermath of the crash. Nathan, who did not want to share his last name said, "I looked out. I seen they were trying to revive someone on the ground. I don't know who it was. I seen somebody over someone like they were trying to revive them or help them. It's sad."
Another resident named Johnny said, "I hate to hear that. I hope his family and everything will be alright. I'll pray for his family." The Tennessee Highway Patrol have been contacted to investigate the crash and MPD's Homicide Bureau will investigate the shooting.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., said in a statement, "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 of 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."
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said in a statement, "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." According to FOX 13, the sister of Officer Johnson said that serving his community as a police officer was a dream her brother aspired to his entire life. She said, "He wanted to be a police officer his whole life. That's something that he always talked about."
She also shared that he leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old son. She said that she hopes her brother is remembered for his service adding, "I know Demetrice was a humble servant. He served in church. He served everywhere he went. He was known to be a humble servant. He had a good heart for people and he just gave. He was such a loving person."
According to ABC 24, the fallen officer is 34-year-old Demetrice Johnson. The car crash involved a gray Nissan and a police car at the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard, leaving Johnson and one citizen dead with another officer critically injured.
MPD interim Police Chief CJ Davis said in a statement, "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."
Johnson was new to the force, beginning his career with MPD in May 2023. He graduated from the Training Academy in March 2024 and was assigned to the North Main Station.
MPD said in a statement, "Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly and an MPD family committed to honoring his memory through service."
According to ABC 24, police were called to the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard at 3:00 a.m. for a crash. Upon arriving on scene, officers located three injured men. Two of the victims were MPD officers and the third was the driver of the Nissan. The driver of the Nissan appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.
Investigators were able to determine that the initial shooting took place near S. Parkway E and Mississippi Boulevard. According to the investigators, there was a disagreement between the driver of the Nissan and another man at the scene on S. Parkway E. All three of the men were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Officer Johnson and the driver of the Nissan, who has since been identified as 22-year-old Rantavious Johnson, were both pronounced dead at the hospital. Two men, who live in South City Apartments, said that they heard and saw the aftermath of the crash. Nathan, who did not want to share his last name said, "I looked out. I seen they were trying to revive someone on the ground. I don't know who it was. I seen somebody over someone like they were trying to revive them or help them. It's sad."
Another resident named Johnny said, "I hate to hear that. I hope his family and everything will be alright. I'll pray for his family." The Tennessee Highway Patrol have been contacted to investigate the crash and MPD's Homicide Bureau will investigate the shooting.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., said in a statement, "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 of 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."
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said in a statement, "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." According to FOX 13, the sister of Officer Johnson said that serving his community as a police officer was a dream her brother aspired to his entire life. She said, "He wanted to be a police officer his whole life. That's something that he always talked about."
She also shared that he leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old son. She said that she hopes her brother is remembered for his service adding, "I know Demetrice was a humble servant. He served in church. He served everywhere he went. He was known to be a humble servant. He had a good heart for people and he just gave. He was such a loving person."
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