MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 26-year-old officer with the Memphis Police Department was shot and killed on Friday, and the department now has released a statement regarding who Joseph McKinney was to the Memphis community.
"Officer Joseph McKinney exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication, and his memory will forever inspire us to serve and protect our community honorably," the Memphis Police statement read.
According to the Memphis Police Department (MPD), McKinney started his career as an officer in February of 2020. He graduated from the Training Academy in July 2020 and was assigned to Mount Moriah Station, they said.
After completing probation, he was transferred to Raines Station and assigned to the Alpha Shift, according to MPD.
Officer McKinney leaves behind a "loving family who will miss him dearly" as well as "an MPD family that will push on to honor his memory," MPD stated.
Those who knew Officer McKinney or those who wish to pay respects to his memory will be able to do so at Raines Station at 791 East Raines Road, according to MPD.
MPD said his squad car will be parked outside Friday afternoon.
What else took place during the shooting?
Another officer was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds early Friday morning after being shot on duty with Mckinney in southwest Memphis while responding to a call.
This second officer was rushed to Regional One in critical condition, and Davis said their condition was upgraded to non-critical condition.
A third officer was grazed by gunfire and treated for minor injuries.
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.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the shooting.
