MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is dead after being shot by a Memphis Police officer.
The shooting happened late Friday night after the officer stopped a car in the 5700 block of Winchester.
The driver was given a citation for a headlight that was out and was released.
The passenger,19-year-old Darrius Stewart, however, had several outstanding warrants and was put in the back of the officer’s car, uncuffed, while the officer verified the suspect’s warrants.
After checking with communications, the officer confirmed that Stewart was wanted for a sex offense in Iowa and had another warrant for a failure to appear in court out of Illinois.
Police say when the officer opened the car door to handcuff Stewart, he kicked the door and attacked the officer.
Investigators say during the struggle, the Stewart got the officer’s handcuffs and started hitting him.
The officer shot Stewart.
The Darrius Stewart was taken to the Regional Medical Center where he later died.
The officer suffered some bruises and scratches and was treated at the scene.
His name has not been released.
He has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
