The man charged in the fatal Thursday morning crash that killed a veteran Memphis police officer was in court Friday for his initial arraignment.
Marquell Griffin, who police say was intoxicated when he slammed into Lt. Myron Fair’s car at Austin Peay Highway and Yale, faced a judicial commissioner Friday.
The 50-year-old appeared by video arraignment at 201 Poplar. He didn’t say much when addressed, only stating his name and stating, “no” when asked if he had hand gun carry permit.
As Local 24 News has reported, Griffin has a lengthy criminal history that spans his entire adult life. Since 1987 he’s been charged with burglaries, drugs and weapons charges. He’s had four DUIs.
His first DUI conviction came in 1997 when he also pleaded guilty to fleeing from police. His second set of DUI offenses came in 2014. His license was later revoked.
As for Thursday’s alleged crime he was charged with DUI, reckless driving, aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and possession of a controlled substance.
His bond was set at $400,000. His next court date is March 29th.
Lt. Fair, a 25-year veteran who worked at the Ridgeway precinct, had been about to retire. He leaves behind a wife and two children.