Memphis officer hurt after driver sped off during East Memphis traffic stop, leading to short chase

What happened

A Memphis Police Department officer suffered non-critical injuries Thursday night, March 5, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop in East Memphis. Police said the driver accelerated from the stop and hit the officer as the vehicle departed.

The incident began at 8:06 p.m. at the intersection of Park Avenue and Getwell Road. Police have not disclosed the reason for the stop. After the driver sped away, officers pursued the vehicle to the area of Goodman Street and Goodman Circle, where police said the suspect crashed. The driver then ran and was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Neither the injured officer nor the suspect had been publicly identified as of Friday, March 6, 2026. Police also did not release details on whether charges beyond evading detention and assault-related allegations are expected, or whether any additional people were inside the suspect vehicle.

Location and immediate public-safety impact

The event unfolded along a heavily traveled corridor near the University of Memphis area, where Park Avenue and Getwell Road serve as major routes between East Memphis neighborhoods and nearby commercial areas. Police did not immediately provide information on lane closures, property damage beyond the crash, or whether any other vehicles were struck during the pursuit.

What is known about injuries and custody

Police described the officer’s injuries as non-critical. No public information was released on the type of medical treatment required or whether the officer had returned to duty. Police did not report serious injuries to the suspect at the time of arrest.

• Time reported for the initial stop: 8:06 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026

• Initial location: Park Avenue and Getwell Road

• End location of the pursuit: Goodman Street and Goodman Circle

• Outcome: suspect in custody after crash and brief foot pursuit; officer injured but expected to recover

How these cases are typically investigated

Incidents in which officers are injured by vehicles during stops can trigger parallel lines of review: a criminal investigation focused on the driver’s actions, and an administrative review examining tactics and compliance with pursuit and arrest procedures. Whether additional agencies will participate, such as state-level investigators, had not been announced.

Key unresolved questions include the reason for the initial stop, the speed and route of the pursuit, whether body-worn or in-car video captured the impact, and which specific charges will be sought.

What happens next

Police are expected to release further information as the case is processed, including the suspect’s identity, potential charges, and any updated medical status for the injured officer. If video evidence exists, its release could depend on investigative timelines and public-records requirements.