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Man charged with attempted first-degree murder, accused of shooting at officer who was on patrol

Jonathan Rivers faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder, accused of firing at an officer who was on patrol early on the morning of Aug. 26, 2022.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis man is charged after police said he shot at a Memphis Police Officer officer, then crashed while trying to get away.

It all began about 4 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, when the officer was on patrol in the area of E. Shelby Drive and Hickory Hill Road. According to the affidavit, the officer was at Hickory Hill and Winchester when someone in a silver SUV fired shots at him. We are told the officer did not return fire.

Investigators said a pursuit began, and responding officers saw the suspect speed off, before locating the SUV, which had crashed and landed on top of vehicles on the Toyota dealership lot in the 7300 block of Winchester Rd. 

According to the police affidavit, the suspect jumped out of the SUV and ran to a wooded area near the business. Investigators said the officers chased the suspect, and aviation and K9's were brought in until they were able to find him.

Investigators said surveillance video showed the suspect - identified as Jonathan Rivers - get into the silver SUV at a gas station earlier that morning. They said the video then showed a muzzle flash from the driver's side of the SUV as the officer drove by in his marked squad car. They said four shell casings were found at the scene.

Investigators said video also showed Rivers crashing at the dealership and running off. They said a rifle matching the caliber of shell casings found was in the front of the SUV.

Rivers is charged with attempted first-degree murder. His mugshot is not yet available.

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