Man charged with running over Memphis officer has court date
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A man charged with shooting three people and then running over and killing a Memphis police officer is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing.
Justine Welch faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and evading arrest in what authorities have called a crime spree on a busy weekend night in downtown Memphis on June 4.
He is set to appear before a judge Wednesday morning with his public defender.
The 21-year-old Welch is accused of shooting two people at a restaurant and another person outside the shopping and recreational complex called the Memphis Pyramid. Police say he led officers on a chase in a stolen car before hitting Officer Verdell Smith, who was clearing pedestrians from the vehicle’s path near Beale Street.
Smith died at a hospital.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
