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A Memphis police officer was shot during a traffic stop in Parkway Village on Thursday evening, prompting an ongoing search for the suspect, authorities reported on Friday.
The officer, identified as Oscar Torres-Molina, was conducting a routine traffic stop at around 8 p.m. on Aloha Avenue near South Perkins when he was shot by someone inside the vehicle, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Officer Torres-Molina is currently in critical yet stable condition as he receives medical care.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has placed 40-year-old Danell Jarvis Maxwell on the state’s Most Wanted List. Maxwell faces charges of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has added 40-year-old Danell Jarvis Maxwell to the TN Most Wanted List for attempted first-degree murder of a Memphis Police officer and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
According to a source close to the investigation, a person matching the description of Maxwell was dropped off overnight in West Memphis, Arkansas in the area of Ingram and East Broadway. We have also learned that law enforcement officers searched several houses in the area of Ingram and East Broadway looking for Maxwell.
A witness told WREG that police searched an apartment in West Memphis around 10:30 or 11 a.m. and questioned neighbors. He said he didn’t see police take anyone away, and he did not recognize the suspect.
Crittenden County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Danell Jarvis Maxwell. Call 870-732-4444.
Early Friday morning, a woman was detained at Third Street and Horn Lake Rd. in connection with the case. Memphis Police later said she was released without charges.
Maxwell was last seen wearing all black clothing with a reflective vest. He is described as 5’10”, 180 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, a low haircut, and a salt and pepper gray beard.
He is considered armed and dangerous.
Police scanner traffic from Broadcastify below captured moments after the officer-involved shooting on Thursday night.
“This was a direct act of violence against a law enforcement officer serving this city. We will use every available resource to locate and apprehend the suspect,” said Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis. “Our focus remains on the recovery of our officer and ensuring the safety of this community.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young released the following statement,
“All of our hearts are with Officer Torres-Molina and his family today. What happened to him is an unacceptable act of violence that no officer should ever face while serving our community. He came out of surgery last night. Today, he remains in critical but stable condition. His loved ones are by his side. We have identified a suspect, and we will find that person, arrest them, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Memphis stands firmly with Officer Torres-Molina and every officer who serves and protects our city.”
Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said in a statement “this was a direct act of violence against a law enforcement officer serving this city. We will use every available resource to locate and apprehend the suspect. Our focus remains on the recovery of our officer and ensuring the safety of this community.”
Stick with WREG News Channel 3 for updates as they become available.