A Memphis Police Department vehicle was involved in a collision with a bystander's car during a pursuit yesterday afternoon, according to reports. At approximately 12:16 p.m., in the 2800 block of Perkins, a chase initiated by MPD officers ended with a squad car crashing into an unrelated vehicle, as detailed by Action News 5. The officers involved were in pursuit of a suspect's vehicle at the time of the incident.
Footage obtained by WREG reveals a squad car emitting smoke post-collision and a black car with visible damage to its front side. A witness described the scene to WREG, stating, "What I seen was one singular police officer going in one lane and I thought to myself, ‘Oh they just do this to get through traffic.’ So when they came back, I seen the police, two police impacted a car from behind, rear-ended and they hit the wrong car."
So far, no injuries have been reported in connection to the crash. The pursuit and consequent collision occurred near a locale where, just two weeks prior, a restaurant shooting left one man deceased and four others injured, intensifying community concerns about local crime and safety. "This is ridiculous. I shouldn’t have to get 61 years old and can’t even enjoy my life, because I’m scared to go to a bar, I’m scared to go to an outing, Memphis in May, I’m scared to go any place, like that, because I don’t know if I’m going to come out alive," a resident expressed to WREG.
Amidst the heightened concern for safety, law enforcement has been pressured to address the surging crime rates. An inhabitant told WREG, "Possibly stricter punishments," expressing dissatisfaction with current city leadership's handling of crime. Meanwhile, police are continuing their search for the vehicle involved in the initial pursuit, as confirmed by FOX13 Memphis.
