Memphis police officer struck and killed by suspected shooter's getaway car

Beale Street
(Image credit: Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)

Following a string of shootings near Memphis' popular Beale Street Saturday evening, Officer Verdell Smith, 46, was struck and killed by the suspect's getaway car while he was working to clear the crime scene. The male suspect is believed to be responsible for shooting two people at a local restaurant and a third at a Bass Pro Shop; he is now in custody.

"I am angry this morning — angry at the senseless loss of a dedicated public servant, and angry at the absolutely unacceptable level of violence in our city," Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.