MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Shelby County Grand Jury has indicted the Memphis man charged in the crash that killed ABC24 Photojournalist Michael Morrison.
According to court records, Jason Patterson was indicted Aug. 6, 2024, on charges of vehicular homicide - intoxication, vehicular homicide - reckless, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Patterson was released on his own recognizance from the Shelby County Jail on Oct. 18.
Memphis Police responded to the two-vehicle crash just after 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, in the 1100 block of Cooper St. near Southern Ave. in Cooper-Young. Morrison was critically injured and taken to Regional One Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
According to the police affidavit, investigators said one of the cars in the crash was registered to Patterson. An officer was asked to check for a man that walked away from the crash along Southern Ave. and found Patterson near the area of Lamar Ave. and S. Willett.
The affidavit said the officer smelled alcohol on Patterson, and he was detained and taken back to the crash scene. Another officer said Patterson was slurring, his eyes were bloodshot, and also smelled alcohol when Patterson spoke. A DUI officer was called, and according to the affidavit, Patterson showed indications he was intoxicated in the field sobriety test and a blood drawn was taken.
According to the affidavit, Patterson told one of the officers that he had been driving and was in an accident, and that he was walking home.
If you or someone you know needs help battling alcohol or substance abuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration can provide services. The free, confidential helpline is available 24/7, 365 days per year at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).