Memphis officer, motorist killed in car crash; 2nd officer critical

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — A Memphis police officer and a motorist who suffered a gunshot wound were killed in a car crash Friday morning, authorities said.

Officers were called to the scene of a crash involving a Nissan and a Memphis Police Department cruiser around 3 a.m., police said on social media.

Two officers in the police car and the driver of the Nissan were taken to the hospital, police said. One officer and the civilian driver died at the hospital. Police said the other officer was in critical condition.

Investigators discovered the driver of the Nissan had suffered a gunshot wound during an altercation with another man at another location, police said. No charges were immediately filed in the shooting.

Police identified the officer who died as Demetrice Johnson, 34. Johnson graduated from the police academy in March, police said.

“Officer Johnson exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication,” the Memphis Police Department 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.”

Authorities are investigating the shooting and the cause of the crash.