MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A 21-year-old man has been charged in the death of a police officer and the shootings of three others, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Police spokeswoman Sgt. Karen Rudolph said Justine Welch faces multiple charges that include first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, attempted first-degree murder, evading arrest and theft of property over $10,000.
Memphis Police Department Director Mike Rallings said Officer Verdell Smith, 46, was pronounced dead after being struck by a vehicle Saturday night.
Rudolph says two people who allegedly were shot earlier by the suspect remain in critical condition, and a male employee at Bass Pro Pyramid who was shot in a separate incident has been released from a hospital.
Welch is being held at the Shelby County Jail. Jail records didn't indicate whether Welch has an attorney.