A Memphis police officer has been shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Saturday night.
At around 9 p.m. local time, a person inside the vehicle fired at the officer, who was taken to hospital in a critical condition where he later died, NBC reported.
#Video Ambulance arriving at hospital following shooting of MPD officer tonight during a traffic stop. #Memphis pic.twitter.com/pJ3ALxfly7— Jerica Phillips (@Jerica_Phillips) August 2, 2015
Memphis police say officer is in critical condition at Regional Medical Center. The suspect at large. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/6x0sKDZ33j— ALEX COLEMAN (@AColeman_WREG3) August 2, 2015
The suspect is still at large, and a significant police hunt for the gunman is underway.
Memphis city officials have spoken with reporters about the tragic incident. "This is a very difficult time, not only for me as director, but also for all the officers standing behind me and the city as a whole," Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said.
Tennessee police are not releasing the officer's name until next of kin are notified.
Director Armstrong addressing media. Officer has died. Suspect still on the loose. @WMCActionNews5 pic.twitter.com/2CocesZTyB— Carrie Anderson (@Camragal) August 2, 2015
"How do you say one life is more important than another?" -Director Armstrong #OfficerKilled #Memphis— Jerica Phillips (@Jerica_Phillips) August 2, 2015
"This speaks volumes about the inherent danger of police work in general," Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton Jr. told the outlet. "Pray for the family and pray for our city."