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Manhunt continues after Memphis police officer shot dead in traffic stop 'Person of interest' held in shooting death of Memphis police officer
(about 4 hours later)
A manhunt continued on Sunday following the fatal shooting of a Memphis police officer who was killed the previous night during a traffic stop, Tennessee police officials said. A person of “interest” was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of a police officer during a traffic stop in Memphis, police said on Sunday.
Memphis police director Toney Armstrong said during a news conference that police were alerted about 9.18pm on Saturday that an officer had been shot multiple times. Armstrong said the officer was transported in critical condition to a hospital, where he died. A Memphis police department spokeswoman, Karen Rudolph, said a person was in custody but no charges had been filed in the killing of Officer Sean Bolton, 33. She said the investigation was ongoing and did not provide further details.
In a statement on Sunday morning, Memphis police identified the slain officer as Sean Bolton, 33. Police also said a civilian had used Bolton’s radio to notify police about the shooting. No further details were released. Bolton was shot near one of the main arteries in a working class area in southeast Memphis late Saturday. In a statement released on Sunday, police said a civilian had used Bolton’s radio to notify police about the shooting. No further details were released.
Armstrong said police had not made an arrest and the suspect was on the run. He said police were using all available resources to find the shooter. According to police, Bolton was shot multiple times and then was transported in critical condition to a hospital, where he died. Bolton was a former US marine and served a tour of duty in Iraq, police said.
Bolton was shot near one of the main arteries in southeast Memphis, an area that includes homes, apartments and businesses. Police were looking for potential witnesses and asking for members of the public who had information about the suspect to come forward. No suspects had been publicly identified. Police were looking for potential witnesses and asking for members of the public who had information about the suspect to come forward.
Armstrong said officers were grieving, adding that “this is just a reminder of how dangerous” the job is. Police officers wearing protective vests descended on an apartment complex in south-east Memphis on Sunday, about three miles from the scene of the shooting. An armoured truck and a mobile command centre were among the police vehicles there.
“Sadly to say, we’ve been here before,” he said. Officers could be seen going in and out of a sliding door and on to a balcony on the second floor of the two-story building.
Bolton is the third Memphis officer to be fatally shot in slightly more than four years. Officer Tim Warren was killed while responding to a shooting at a downtown Memphis hotel in July 2011. In December 2012, Officer Martoiya Lang was killed while serving a warrant.Bolton is the third Memphis officer to be fatally shot in slightly more than four years. Officer Tim Warren was killed while responding to a shooting at a downtown Memphis hotel in July 2011. In December 2012, Officer Martoiya Lang was killed while serving a warrant.
Memphis mayor AC Wharton Jr said Bolton’s death “speaks volumes about the inherent danger of police work” and asked others to “pray for the family and pray for our city.”. Memphis Mayor AC Wharton Jr said Bolton’s death “speaks volumes about the inherent danger of police work” and asked others to “pray for the family and pray for our city.”
During past police shootings, both Wharton and Armstrong have said too many violent criminals are out on the street and have easy access to guns.During past police shootings, both Wharton and Armstrong have said too many violent criminals are out on the street and have easy access to guns.
“The men and women in blue have certain rules of engagement that they have to follow, but at any given minute in a 24-hour day they’re dealing with folks who have no rules of engagement,” Wharton said.“The men and women in blue have certain rules of engagement that they have to follow, but at any given minute in a 24-hour day they’re dealing with folks who have no rules of engagement,” Wharton said.
The Reverend Jason Mendoza of Woodland Presbyterian Church said Bolton served as the best man at his brother’s wedding on 20 June. Church member Pam Haley said Bolton’s father died about a month ago. The Reverend Jason Mendoza of Woodland Presbyterian Church said Bolton served as the best man at the wedding of his brother, Brian Bolton, this summer. Church member Pam Haley said Bolton’s father died about a month ago. Brian Bolton is a member of the church.
During the church’s morning service, Mendoza asked worshippers to pray for the Bolton family.During the church’s morning service, Mendoza asked worshippers to pray for the Bolton family.
“Lord, lift up Brian and his family,” he said. “Lord, lift up Brian and his family,” Mendoza said.