MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man who was injured by police during a traffic stop over the weekend has died, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy confirmed Tuesday.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 29-year-old Tyre Nichols died from his injuries.
The TBI started investigating officers’ use of force in Nichols’ arrest after he was brought to the hospital Saturday night with what his family is calling significant injuries.
Memphis Police say officers stopped Nichols for what they describe as reckless driving near Raines Road and Ross Road in Hickory Hill. But police say as they approached him, a confrontation occurred and he took off running.
After a pursuit, officers tried to take Nichols into custody and there was another confrontation. Afterwards, he was taken into custody.
However, police say Nichols was taken to the hospital in critical condition after he “complained of having shortness of breath.”
Family members say Nichols, a father and avid skateboarder, was unarmed when the incident happened.
In a statement, DA Mulroy says Nichols’ death does not change the ongoing use-of-force investigation. Nichols’ family says they hope those responsible are held accountable, and that justice is served.
The officers involved have been placed on leave until the TBI’s investigation is complete.