Memphis officer struck and killed by fleeing vehicle after downtown shooting

A Memphis police officer who was struck by the fleeing vehicle of a man suspected in a downtown shooting died Saturday night, police said.

Officer Verdell Smith, 46, was pronounced dead from his injuries at 10:45 p.m. Saturday, Memphis Police Department Director Mike Rallings said at a news conference.

Police said three were injured in the shooting. Two people were taken to the hospital in critical condition after being shot by the suspect on North Main about 10 p.m. Saturday. They say the suspect then ran to Bass Pro Pyramid and shot a male employee. The condition of that victim was not immediately available.

Police said the suspect then fled in a vehicle and later struck Smith. The unidentified suspect is in custody and is expected to face charges.

Rallins said Smith was an 18-year police veteran who is survived by a father, fiance, son and two daughters.

“He’s a man’s man and he was an officer’s officer. He was definitely a great father,” Rallings said. “Like I said, he loved his son — always talked about him, always had him with him. I think his son is taking it really, really hard. He had two daughters as well.”

Rallings said the Memphis department will never be the same.