Officials are calling for tougher penalties after a local police officer was killed in a shootout with two teenagers in the early hours of Friday as Memphis continues to battle a surge in crime. One of the officers was arrested last month on weapons charges and later released. Without ties.
The suspect, 18-year-old Jalen Robley, fired at officers who were investigating a suspicious vehicle at Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue in Whitehaven, about nine miles south of downtown Memphis. He was shot dead by the police.
Officer Joseph McKinney, 26, who joined the Memphis Police Department (MPD) in 2020 and lost his life in an early morning shooting, will be remembered as a dedicated police officer who “exemplified the highest standards of courage.” MPD announced. Said.
Authorities are calling for harsher penalties after the death of Officer Joseph McKinney, above left, who was killed in a shootout with two teenagers early Friday morning. Jalen Robley (right), also killed, was arrested last month on weapons charges but later released. (Memphis Police Department, left, Udell Shelton of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office)
Memphis police officer killed in shootout with teens, one of whom was recently released.
A second officer was also shot but is not in serious condition, while a third officer suffered a bullet wound during the shooting. A second suspect, a 17-year-old, was also shot and is expected to survive, police said.
Police said Robley, whose mugshot was obtained by Fox News Digital, was arrested in March in a stolen car and carrying an illegally modified semi-automatic rifle with a Glock switch. Glock Switch converted this weapon into a fully automatic machine gun.
According to a report on Fox 13 Memphis, Robbie allegedly admitted to stealing two cars, a red Dodge Charger and a white Infiniti, while police said Robbie had a programming device commonly used in car thefts. It is said that he was in possession of.
But Roby was released on no-cash bail, even though the District Attorney’s Office said it objected and deemed him a “high-risk offender.”
“Mr. Robley was released on ROR (release on recognizance) in March with various conditions, including reporting and curfew,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said in a statement Friday.
“This bond was granted by the Shelby County Attorney General following a hearing in which our office strongly opposed lowering the bond on the grounds that the defendant poses a danger to the community. Regardless, the Commissioner approved ROR bail,” Mulroy said.
“My office aggressively prioritized the Lobley case and identified him as a high-risk offender… Even though Lobley was a first-time offender, his case was subject to federal prosecution. This is consistent with my firm belief that…people have found stolen cars, guns, or Glock switches that could pose a danger if found. Therefore, it must be treated accordingly.”
Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney (inset) was shot and killed on Friday, April 12, 2024. Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis (right) and images from the scene (left). (WHBQ | Udell Shelton)
Memphis mayor defends police chief as crime rises
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) slammed the decision in a post on X.
“Due to anti-crime policies like bail reform, a Tennessee police officer lost his life to a criminal and then was put back on the streets,” Blackburn wrote late Friday.
“If he had been in prison, this senseless murder would not have happened.”
Memphis, like many other large cities across the country, is in the midst of a rise in crime, with homicides reaching a record high of 398 in 2023.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young also called for stricter gun laws as well as harsher penalties.
“We must demand tougher gun laws. We must demand sentences that reflect our love for our communities. Sometimes that love needs to be tough love,” Young said. said in a statement.
“Together, let’s petition judges and DA’s offices for stronger and faster sentencing for violent crimes. If you are a member of the justice system, please hear me out first. We need more for our communities. We need to work together to do good.”
Meanwhile, Rep. John Rhodes (R-Tenn.) said the state must do everything possible to protect those who serve and hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy.
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Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney’s car was seen covered in flowers. (Memphis Police Department)
Tributes have been pouring in for Mr. McKinney, and the Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday sent Mr. She posted photos with flowers and notes.
“We would like to thank everyone who took the time to pay tribute to Officer McKinney,” the Metropolitan Police Department wrote.
“The love the community has shown us is overwhelming. Officer McKinney was widely loved and respected, and we will continue his work.”
“Officer Joseph McKinney exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication, and his memory will forever inspire us to serve and protect our communities with honor,” the department said in a statement.
