What Is A Blue Alert: Memphis officer critically injured in Parkway Village shooting
A Memphis police officer was seriously injured following a shooting Thursday night in Parkway Village, and questions about public safety notices such as what is a blue alert have circulated as the area remains on lockdown. The officer was rushed to Regional One Hospital after the shooting, and law enforcement activity has stayed heavy in the neighborhood.
Shooting left officer wounded around 8: 15 p. m. and prompted highway closure
The shooting occurred around 8: 15 p. m. Thursday in the area of Parkway Village and left a Memphis police officer seriously injured. The officer was rushed to Regional One Hospital, and I-240 was briefly shut down while authorities transported the wounded officer to the medical center.
What Is A Blue Alert as Parkway Village remains on lockdown
Many residents are asking what is a blue alert as the neighborhood remains on lockdown. The area is currently on lockdown and residents are not being allowed to pass through, with a massive law enforcement presence most saturated along South Perkins Road near Cottonwood Road.
Unofficial police accounts say suspected shooter remains at large; traffic-stop detail disputed
Unofficial members of the police force indicated the officer was shot and that the suspected shooter remains at large. Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley issued a statement on social media saying the shooting happened during a traffic stop, though department spokespersons have yet to confirm that detail. A representative with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said that agents have not been called to Memphis to investigate the matter.
Officer condition described as fighting for life but stable; leaders offer prayers
An official department spokesperson said the officer is currently fighting for their life but remains stable. Other police personnel indicated the officer is expected to survive. Other local leaders, including Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell and representatives with the West Memphis Police Department across the river, posted online Thursday night saying they are praying that the perpetrator is caught.
Ongoing coverage and public updates
Hours after the shooting, a plethora of law enforcement vehicles remained stationed at Regional One Hospital. The report said it will continue to follow statements and reactions from local officials as investigators work to locate the suspected shooter and clarify details of the incident.
