WREG.com

Police identify officer involved in the death of Darrius Stewart

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Officer involved in the shooting death of Darrius Stewart has been identified.

According to reports, Connor Schilling, 26, was the one who shot Stewart.

He was hired by the Memphis Police Department back in 2012 and has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of this investigation.

WREG has learned Schilling was suspended on July 6, 2014 for a DUI arrest in Southaven.

The criminal charges were dismissed but he was suspended without pay for 18 days because of it.

The shooting happened late Friday night after Schilling 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, Darrius Stewart, 19, 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, Schilling 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 said when the officer opened the car door to handcuff Stewart, he kicked the door and attacked the officer.

Investigators said during the struggle, Stewart got the officer’s handcuffs and started hitting him.

That’s when Schilling reportedly shot Stewart.

Stewart was taken to the Regional Medical Center where he later died.

Schilling suffered some bruises and scratches and was treated at the scene.