MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Association Charitable Foundation has started a fundraiser to honor and help the family of fallen Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney, who died in the line of duty early Friday morning.
Two Memphis Police officers were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds early Friday morning after being shot on duty in southwest Memphis while responding to a call.
Interim Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis confirmed one officer, McKinney did not survive his injuries. She identified him Friday morning.
"We have a family and wife grieving, and the families of the suspects grieving," Davis said.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said the city needs a community call to action.
"We are heartbroken of the lives lost, our fallen officer, in this senseless act of violence," Young said. "We know that we as a community have to do more to hold violent offenders accountable for their actions, even our young people, we have to make sure that we are pressing for accountability."
McKinney served out of Raines Station, joining the Memphis Police Department in 2021.
The Memphis Police Association Charitable Foundation started a fundraiser on Facebook to support his family.
If you would like to make a donation, visit HERE.
What led to the shooting
According to Memphis Police, officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call at Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue around 2:20 a.m. Friday.
There, MPD said officers were shot at as they approached the car, and they returned fire.
Two officers were shot, and taken to Regional One Hospital. Two suspects, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, were also hit by gunfire, and taken to Regional One.
The 18-year-old, identified as Jaylen Lobley, did not survive. Lobley had been released from jail on his own recognizance in March for past crimes.
Memphis Police later said a third officer was grazed by gunfire and treated for minor injuries.
One of the suspects was taken into custody immediately, while the other ran off and was caught by MPD shortly after, MPD said.
MPD had all lanes of traffic in the area of Horn Lake and Shelby Drive closed while they investigated, but it has since reopened.
