MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A Memphis police officer was shot by a carjacking suspect in the Raleigh area.
The incident occurred near James Road and Homewood Drive around 5:10 p.m. on April 4.
Officers were flagged down by a person that told them he had been robbed on April 2 and he had just spotted his stolen vehicle at the Lantern Square Apartments. Police spotted a silver Chevy Impala fitting the victim's description veer off the road on James near Homewood, then saw a suspect run from the car into a nearby wooded area.
The officers ran and caught up with the suspect and a struggle ensued. The suspect pulled out a gun fired on the officers, hitting one in the chest. That officer returned fire, hitting the suspect.
The 30-year-old officer, who was wearing protective body armor, was taken to The MED in non-critical condition and is expected to fully recover. He has since been released from the hospital. The 19-year-old suspect, later identified as Edward Samples, was transported to The MED in critical condition.
Police later confirmed that the vehicle was stolen in a carjacking at the Jamesbridge Apartments as the victim reported.
Samples is charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder and Employment of a Firearm in Commission of a Dangerous Felony. Additional charges could follow after further investigation of the reported carjacking.
The officer involved has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
