The Latest: Suspect charged in death of Memphis officer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Latest on a shooting incident in Memphis, Tennessee, that left a police officer dead (all times local):

1:45 p.m.

Memphis police say a 21-year-old man has been charged in the death of a police officer and the shootings of three others.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Karen Rudolph says in a news release that Justine Welch faces multiple charges that include first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, attempted first-degree murder, evading arrest and theft of property over $10,000.

Memphis Police Department Director Mike Rallings says 46-year-old Officer Verdell Smith was pronounced dead after being struck by a vehicle Saturday night.

Rudolph says two people who allegedly were shot earlier by the suspect remain in critical condition, and a male employee at Bass Pro Pyramid who was shot in a separate incident has been released from a hospital.

Welch is being held at the Shelby County Jail. Jail records didn’t indicate whether Welch has an attorney.

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4:50 a.m.

Tennessee authorities say a Memphis police officer has been killed following a downtown shooting that left three others injured.

Memphis Police Department Director Mike Rallings said during a news conference that Officer Verdell Smith was pronounced dead from his injuries at 10:45 p.m. Saturday.

Police say two people were taken to the hospital in critical condition after being shot on North Main about 10 p.m. Saturday. They say the suspect then ran to Bass Pro Pyramid and shot a male employee. The condition of that victim was not immediately available.

Police say the suspect then fled in a vehicle and later struck an officer.

The 46-year-old Smith was an 18-year police veteran who is survived by a father, fiance, son and two daughters.

The unidentified suspect is in custody.