MEMPHIS, Tenn. — At the corner of Beale Street and B.B. King Boulveard – the same intersection where Officer Verdell Smith was hit and killed Saturday night – people from all across the country paid their respects using flowers, flags as well as their thoughts and prayers.
Police said Smith was run over by Justin Welch, who police said was fleeing after shooting three people in the Pinch District.
“It’s heart-wrenching. It’s very sad. I hate to hear it,” said Barbara, a visitor from Ohio.
“He served a very noble cause and my heart goes out to him,” said Bill, in town from Virginia.
Even those who didn’t know Smith personally, heard about what happened and wanted to pay their respects.
“My prayers go out to the family, and I just pray that the country will gather around this family at this time,” said Cathy Whittaker.
The support even extended online.
A woman in Wisconsin wrote, “SO SAD! Based on Officer Smith’s bio he was a man seeking to better his community and make a difference!”