On Wednesday night in Southwest Memphis, a Lexus that police say was racing at up to 100 mph tore through a red light at East Mitchell Road and South Third Street and slammed into a Dodge Ram that was turning onto East Mitchell. The impact was so violent it threw two passengers out of the pickup and left a third briefly unconscious, according to police and first responders. Four people were taken to the hospital, with authorities reporting three in critical condition and one in non-critical condition.
Police search for Lexus driver
Memphis police say the Lexus was traveling as fast as 100 mph before running the red light and crashing into the Dodge. Detectives are now trying to track down the Lexus driver after a passenger told officers the driver took off from the scene, according to Action News 5.
Injuries, citations and hospital update
"Three people were taken to Regional One Health in critical condition, and one person was transported in non-critical condition," Memphis police said, per Action News 5. Investigators also cited the driver of the Dodge for driving without a valid license and for failing to provide proof of insurance.
High speeds and local trends
The crash fits into a troubling pattern on Memphis streets. A recent investigation by MLK50 found a surge in high-speed pursuits and risky driving across the city, with numerous incidents hitting triple-digit speeds and ending in wrecks.
Potential criminal exposure
If investigators find the Lexus driver and confirm they left the scene, they could be in serious legal trouble. Tennessee law requires drivers involved in crashes that cause injury to stop and give aid. Under T.C.A. § 55-10-101, failing to stop and render aid where someone is hurt can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and the offense becomes a Class E felony if the driver knew or should have known the crash resulted in death, according to Justia.
How to help investigators
Anyone with information about the Lexus or its driver is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Memphis & Shelby County at 901-528-CASH (2274) or submit an anonymous tip online. Tips can be sent by phone, web, or mobile app and may qualify for a cash reward if they lead to an arrest, according to Crime Stoppers.
