Police Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty
Our prayers are with the Memphis Police Department and the friends and family of Police Officer Verdell Smith who was killed while on duty on Saturday.
He was struck and killed by a vehicle whose driver had been involved in a triple shooting approximately 30 minutes earlier.
The man had shot two people outside of a nightclub on North Main Street shortly before 10:00 pm and then ran into a nearby sporting goods store where he shot an employee. The subject then fled in a car and drove to the area of Third Street and Beale Street, where he struck and killed Officer Smith. He was taken into custody after striking Officer Smith.
Officer Smith had served with the Memphis Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his children, fiancee, and father.
This is the 41st death so far this year of Police Officers who died protecting and serving their communities.
