MPD squad car struck by train in South Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While Memphis Police were searching for suspects in South Memphis Wednesday night, an officer’s squad car got struck by a train.
Around 10 p.m. Wednesday, officers were investigating a prowler call at the Railroad Yard located in the 1700 block of Airways Boulevard.
Police say they saw several men running from the rail carts. They chased one suspect who started running on the railroad track toward Castalia Road.
One officer was driving into the area when he was notified that the suspect was running in his direction. That is when he parked on the tracks, exited the squad car, and ran in an attempt to capture the suspect.
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While running, the officer heard the train’s horn. When he looked back, he could see the train approaching quickly.
The officer stated that he then started running back to his car, but could not beat the train.
One of the railroad workers told WREG that the train dragged the vehicle several feet away from the crash site.
People living in that community say they could hear the crash miles away.
“Yeah, I heard the noise. It was ‘boom’ like,” said Daffney Howell. “I’m paying tax dollars for y’all to do this.”
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MPD says no one was injured. It is unknown if the suspects were captured.
We asked if the officer involved in the crash would face any disciplinary action. A spokesman says that is unknown at this time.
According to reports, this time in 2023, MPD was involved in 121 crashes; MPD was at fault for 50 of them. So far this year, MPD has been involved in 124 crashes, with 45 being their fault.
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