Memphis found itself gripped by anxiety and resolve late Thursday night after a Memphis police officer was shot in the line of duty, prompting a statewide manhunt for the suspect and the activation of Tennessee’s Blue Alert system. The unfolding drama, which began around 8:15 p.m. on February 26, 2026, in the city’s Parkway Village neighborhood, has drawn a swift and unified response from law enforcement, city leaders, and the wider community.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) identified the suspect as 40-year-old Danell Maxwell. According to the TBI’s Blue Alert issued shortly before midnight, Maxwell is wanted for attempted first-degree murder of a Memphis Police officer. Authorities describe him as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds, last seen wearing dark-colored clothing and an orange and green reflective vest. He is believed to be armed with a silver handgun and is considered extremely dangerous. As of Friday afternoon, Maxwell remained at large, and the Blue Alert was still active, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Memphis Police Department at 901-528-2274.
The shooting occurred near South Perkins Road and Cottonwood Road in Parkway Village, a residential area in southeast Memphis. Details about the circumstances leading up to the incident remain scarce. Police have not released information on whether the shooting resulted from a traffic stop, a domestic call, or another type of encounter. The identity and gender of the wounded officer have also not been made public, in line with department policy and pending family notification.
The officer was rushed to Regional One Medical Center, where they were reported to be in critical but stable condition. Sources familiar with the incident told IBTimes AU that the officer is “fighting for their life.” A large contingent of Memphis police officers gathered outside the hospital, standing vigil and showing solidarity for their injured colleague. The heavy law enforcement presence extended to other parts of the city, including S. Perkins Road and American Way in Parkway Village, as well as coordinated efforts with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. was among the first public officials to confirm the shooting and call for unity. He stated, “An attack on one of our officers is an attack on the safety of our entire community. The men and women who wear the badge put their lives on the line every single day, even during routine, and this kind of violence cannot and will not be tolerated.” Smiley added, “My prayers are with the officer, their family, and every member of the Memphis Police Department. We are praying for a full and speedy recovery.” According to WREG Memphis and Newsweek, Smiley’s sentiments echoed widely among city leaders and residents alike, with many taking to social media to express both concern for the officer and frustration over violence against first responders.
The TBI’s decision to activate a Blue Alert underscores the severity of the situation. Blue Alerts are reserved for instances in which a law enforcement officer is killed, seriously injured, or goes missing in the line of duty, and the suspect poses an imminent threat to public safety. The system, modeled after the AMBER Alert for missing children, disseminates urgent information through television, radio, mobile alerts, and highway signs. It is designed to mobilize the public’s assistance in rapidly apprehending suspects while warning residents of potential danger.
As the TBI explained, the Blue Alert system is part of a national framework maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Blue Alert Network. Tennessee’s participation ensures close coordination between state and local agencies, such as the Memphis Police Department, and enables rapid, statewide communication in critical moments. The TBI is leading the investigation at the request of local authorities, which is standard protocol in Tennessee for crimes against law enforcement officers.
Community response to the Blue Alert was immediate and widespread. Social media platforms lit up with posts sharing Maxwell’s description and last known attire, as well as calls for vigilance and prayers for the wounded officer. Some residents in Memphis and nearby communities, such as Cordova and midtown, speculated on possible hiding places for the suspect, but authorities urged the public to rely solely on verified information and to avoid approaching Maxwell if sighted. Instead, officials stressed the importance of reporting any credible sightings or tips directly to law enforcement.
Blue Alerts, while less common than AMBER Alerts, have proven effective in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public during high-stakes manhunts. By leveraging widespread notifications, the system has aided in the apprehension of numerous suspects nationwide. The urgency of Thursday night’s events, with a critically wounded officer and an armed suspect at large, demonstrated the need for such rapid public engagement.
For Memphis, the shooting marks another sobering moment in an ongoing struggle with high violent crime rates and persistent concerns about officer safety. Police unions and community leaders have repeatedly highlighted the dangers officers face daily, especially in neighborhoods with elevated crime or social tensions. The city has seen several high-profile incidents in recent years, prompting calls for both increased support for law enforcement and renewed efforts at community engagement and violence prevention.
As of Friday afternoon, the search for Danell Maxwell continued across Memphis and potentially into neighboring states, given the city’s proximity to Arkansas and Mississippi. The TBI and Memphis Police Department are coordinating efforts and have indicated that federal partners could become involved should Maxwell cross state lines. Meanwhile, the wounded officer remains under close medical supervision at Regional One Medical Center, with colleagues, friends, and family hoping for positive updates on their recovery.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of public cooperation—not just in apprehending Maxwell, but in supporting the broader mission of keeping Memphis safe. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, avoid spreading unverified rumors, and assist law enforcement by providing any credible information without putting themselves in harm’s way.
While the full story of what transpired Thursday night has yet to emerge, the city’s response has been marked by determination and solidarity. As investigators work to piece together the details and the search for Maxwell continues, one thing is clear: the safety of Memphis’s officers, and the community at large, remains top of mind for everyone involved.