What Is A Blue Alert and Why Memphis Is Locked Down After Officer Shot

what is a blue alert — the question surfaced as a Memphis police officer was critically injured following a shooting Thursday night in Parkway Village, and the suspected shooter remains at large while large parts of the neighborhood are on lockdown.

What Is A Blue Alert on residents’ minds as Parkway Village locks down

Sources with the Memphis Police Department said the officer was injured around 8: 15 p. m. Thursday in the Parkway Village area; unofficial police the officer was shot and that the suspected shooter remains at large. Residents were not being allowed to pass through parts of the neighborhood as law enforcement sealed off streets.

Officer rushed to Regional One Hospital after the 8: 15 p. m. shooting

Law enforcement vehicles remained stationed at Regional One Hospital hours after the officer was rushed there. I-240 was briefly shut down as officers transported the wounded officer to the hospital, emergency responders confirmed in the immediate aftermath.

Road closures and a heavy police presence near South Perkins Road

A massive law enforcement presence was most concentrated along South Perkins Road near Cottonwood Road in Parkway Village, and officials placed the area on lockdown so investigators and emergency crews could work without civilian traffic. Local leaders urged residents to avoid the area while officers conducted their work.

Officials’ statements and social media reactions

An official department spokesperson said the officer is currently fighting for their life but remains stable, while other police the officer is expected to survive. A representative with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said agents have not been called to Memphis to investigate this matter.

Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley posted on social media saying the shooting happened during a traffic stop, a detail department spokespersons have yet to confirm. Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell and representatives with the West Memphis Police Department across the river also posted online Thursday night saying they are praying that the perpetrator is caught.

What happens next for the investigation and public updates

Police say the suspected shooter remains at large and the lockdown of Parkway Village and road closures around South Perkins Road will remain in place while investigators work. Reporters will continue to follow statements and reactions from local officials and will publish updates as officials release them.