WREG.com

Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong speaks about shot officer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Officers flocked to Regional Medical Center Thursday to show support for an officer shot in the line of duty.

“It’s the call that you just don’t want to get. You know the likelihood is very real. This is a reminder of just how dangerous this job is,” said Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong.

Danger realized Thursday afternoon, but thankfully Officer Robert Armour with the Organized Crime Unit  is okay.

“I have talked with him. He’s in good spirit. He’s with his wife and his mom right now. He knows exactly what is going on,” said Armstrong.

WREG is told Armour saw a ‘person of interest’ while out investigating a tip and began following him.

When the two vehicles stopped, Armour identified himself as an officer and was shot in the leg.

“Our citizens call in and say, ‘I feel like there is a house in my neighborhood that may have gang activity.’ He was following up on a call like that,” advised Armstrong.

Armstrong says doctors told him Armour will make a full recovery.

For now, the father will spend precious time with his children.

“He’s got a 1 and a 2-year-old,” said Armstrong.

He is thankful those toddlers will soon be able to hug their heroic father.

That shooting happened just before noon on Thursdasy on Hester in the Whitehaven area.

Police chased the suspect, Daniel Jefferson,  until he was taken into custody in the 1600 block of Kirkwood.

Armour has been with MPD for twelve years.