COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — The Collierville Police officer severely injured in the line of duty after he was run over by a car during a September, 2022, chase was awarded a Purple Heart Tuesday, as the department honored his long road to recovery.
On Sept. 24, 2022, Collierville Police Officer Michael Magnuson was confronting a suspect from an earlier shooting, when the suspect, later identified as Kieth Houston, drove at him with a Chevrolet Corvette.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said Magnuson was hit, forced onto the hood and later run over, sustaining severe injuries.
Collierville Police said the first two officers on the scene rendered lifesaving medical aid to Magnuson until paramedics from the Collierville Fire Department arrived on the scene and took him to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.
By 11 a.m., TBI reported that Houston was in custody, later charging him with attempted murder.
Since the incident, Collierville Police said Magnuson has had 17 surgeries that repaired and rebuilt his entire upper body as well as many doctor appointments and physical therapy.
On Tuesday night, Magnuson was awarded the Purple Heart.
Collierville Police said the Purple Heart is awarded to an officer who sustains a serious injury in the line of duty because of an act of malice or recklessness of another.
"Officer Magnuson’s determination and drive to return to duty has been an inspiration to all of us,” said Collierville Police Chief David Lane. “He epitomizes the ideal of service over self. We are excited for his potential return in January."
His daughter, Samantha, presented him with the award. In addition, Shelby County Commissioner David Bradford presented Officer Magnuson with a resolution honoring him for his service in the line of duty.
