A Memphis firefighter faced multiple charges after he allegedly crashed into a Shelby County Sheriff's officer's patrol car while under the influence of alcohol with his two children in the vehicle. Details from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) indicated that the incident occurred on Monday night at the intersection of Hacks Cross and Lowrance roads. Delandrion Todd, 38, reportedly drove into the rear of the patrol car when officers were responding to an unrelated crash, as per an SCSO statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis.
Upon their investigation, deputies found two young children in the backseat of Todd's car, later confirmed as his sons, ages nine and five, according to the official account shared by Local Memphis. Several empty liquor bottles and a firearm were also discovered in the car. Todd, who has been a part of the Memphis Fire Department (MFD) since 2015, declined to perform a field sobriety test and was charged with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence, child abuse and neglect, and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
The MFD stated their awareness of the situation and commented that an internal investigation would be conducted. "In accordance with our standard procedures, we are conducting our internal investigation and do not have any additional information we can provide at this time," the MFD stated, as reported by Local Memphis. No injuries were reported following the incident, though the deputy's car sustained minor damage.
Further details emerged from court documents, as reported by Action News 5, which revealed that one empty bottle of New Amsterdam Vodka was discovered in a black Memphis Fire Department backpack, with more empty vodka bottles found on the passenger side of the vehicle. Todd's prior record includes pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge in 2020, and he is set to appear in court today.
