MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis police identified the officer killed early Friday, Aug 2, in a shooting that turned into a serious crash in Downtown Memphis.
The crash involving a gray Nissan and a police car at the intersection of Mississippi Boulevard and Danny Thomas Boulevard happened around 3 a.m. and left Johnson and a citizen dead, along with another officer critically injured.
The Memphis Police Department identified the fallen officer as 34-year Demetrice Johnson.
"The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are heartbroken as we mourn the loss of Officer Demetrice Johnson," interim Chief CJ Davis said. "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 began his career with MPD in May 2023, graduating from the Training Academy in March 2024 and assigned to the North Main Station.
"Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication," MPD said in a statement. "He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly and an MPD family committed to honoring his memory through service."
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. released the following statement:
I was deeply saddened upon hearing the news of the passing of a Memphis Police Officer this morning 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.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young also spoke on the incident:
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.
The Memphis Police Association released the following statement:
The Memphis Police Association mourns the line-of-duty death of Officer Demetrice L. Johnson. Officer Johnson was tragically killed in an early morning traffic crash at Danny Thomas Boulevard and Mississippi Boulevard. Ofc. Johnson had served as a police officer protecting the citizens of Memphis since March 2024. Ofc. Johnson is survived by his wife and young son. Please keep Ofc. Johnson’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Donations to the family are being accepted via the Memphis Police Association and can also be made online HERE.
What Happened
Responding officers found the three injured men at the scene. The citizen was the driver of the Nissan, who was also suffering from a gunshot wound. He was later identified as 22-year-old Rantavious Johnson.
Investigators disclosed an initial shooting took place near S. Parkway E and Mississippi Boulevard. There was a disagreement between the driver of the Nissan and another man at the scene on S. Parkway E., MPD says.
All three of the men were transported to Regional One Health in critical condition. The MPD officer and the driver of the Nissan were pronounced dead at the hospital. The area of the crash was blocked off due to the investigation.
The Tennessee Highway patrol has been contacted to investigate the crash and MPD's Homicide Bureau will investigate the shooting.
Two men, who live in South City Apartments, say they heard and saw the aftermath of the crash.
"I looked out, I’ve seen they were trying to revive someone on the ground," said Nathan, who did not want to say his last name. "I don’t know who it was. I've seen somebody over someone like they were trying to revive them or help them. It’s sad."
Another resident name Johnny said, "I hate to hear that. I hope his family and everything will be alright. I’ll pray for his family."