MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city’s new interim police director said he is beefing up traffic patrols.
WREG noticed an increased police presence on the roadways, and others in the community have noticed it as well.
“Absolutely. Especially in the south Memphis area and especially downtown here,” said driver Malcolm Thornton.
WREG asked Interim Director of Police Services Michael Rallings.
“Traffic safety is one of my priorities,” he said.
He said MPD is running beefed up traffic patrols, largely because of a road rage shooting on Sam Cooper Friday morning.
Police said a driver got agitated merging into traffic and fired at the victim’s car.
The victim had to go to the hospital, but police believe he will be OK.
“Those officers are out there to do some traffic calming. We want people to get to work safe. We want them to be able to go home safe,” Rallings said.
Rallings said he also hopes the patrols can prevent deadly accidents.
As for whether the police presence is making a mark, he said, “I certainly hope it is. If it’s not, we’ll look at it, we’ll reevaluate it and do something different.”
So far, the driver in the road rage incident has not been arrested. Rallings said officers are still actively looking.
