(Memphis) “Can you have police to meet me at Knight and Woodale? I just been robbed,” says the voice on the 911 tape released to News Channel 3.
It’s Police Officer Terrance Shaw calling 911 moments after he shot 15-year-old Justin Thompson last September 24th.
On the call, Shaw describes the person he shot.
“Shots fired. Male black,” says Shaw.
“Do you have a clothing description?” asked the dispatcher.
“Red shirt, cap,” says Shaw.
Shaw says the man shot tried to rob him.
Justin Thompson’s cell phone, first obtained by News Channel 3, revealed the officer knew the 15-year-old teen.
Shaw claimed he offered to mentor Justin and agreed to meet him the night of the shooting.
It’s what Shaw doesn’t say on the 911 call that caused him more problems.
“What’s your name?” asked the dispatcher.
“Ma’am please, get police,” says Shaw.
“Are you hurt? Sir I need you to know something. Are you hurt?” asks the dispatcher.
“No I am fine,” responds Shaw.
“What’s your name? ” the dispatcher asks.
That’s when the phone goes dead.
Terrance Shaw doesn’t tell the dispatcher he is a Memphis Police Officer, important information during an officer involved shooting and an issue brought up when Shaw faced an administrative hearing.
Police Department Policy says ‘when an officer discharges a firearm, outside of recreation or training, whether he is on-duty or off-duty he will immediately report the incident to the dispatcher, who will notify the proper supervisor so an investigation can begin immediately.’
Shaw had an administrative hearing where it was found he had violated police policy.
It also found his mentoring a 15-year-old he didn’t know, and whose parents had not approved, was conduct unbecoming of an officer.
Before Shaw could be terminated, he resigned.
The Shelby County District Attorney chose not to prosecute, because of “insufficient evidence to create a reasonable chance for a conviction against Mr. Shaw, particularly when considered with the foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence.”