MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The NAACP Memphis Branch issued a statement Wednesday on the death of a Memphis man after he was arrested by Memphis Police.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is looking into how and why 29-year-old Tyre Nichols died after being in the custody of Memphis police.
Around 8:30 p.m. Memphis police attempted to make a traffic stop for reckless driving that ended with a St. Francis hospitalization, according to MPD.
MPD communicated that a confrontation occurred in the area of Raines Road and Ross Road when officers approached the driver of the vehicle. The suspect then ran away before a second confrontation took place, according to MPD.
The driver of the vehicle told officers he was short of breath before being transported to St. Francis hospital in critical condition, according to MPD.
The TBI said Nichols died Tuesday.
The NAACP said they are looking at the situation closely.
"Mr. Nichols’ death is certainly a tragedy because the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery still burn our collective psyche," The NAACP said Wednesday. "D.A. Mulroy has advised that the TBI is actively investigating this incident to determine if there was excessive use of police force. The NAACP will keep close watch of this matter along with General Mulroy to ensure that all evidence is considered and that we as a community are kept informed. "
At the request of District Attorney Steve Mulroy, TBI special agents are now conducting a "use-of-force investigation' surrounding the arrest, according to the TBI.
MPD claimed that the driver's condition lead to Mulroy's office being contacted. MPD communicated that the officers involved with the arrest will be routinely relieved of duty pending the outcome of TBI's investigation.
As of press time, the TBI communicated that this remains an active and ongoing investigation.