A man died Wednesday in East Memphis after members of the Memphis Safe Task Force opened fire while attempting to serve a warrant, officials said. The incident occurred on the 6500 block of Poplar Avenue, near the Jewish Community Center, and prompted a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation review.
What officials say happened
The U.S. Marshals Service, which leads the multi-agency task force, reported that federal and local officers were attempting to arrest a fugitive wanted on felony drug charges from Shelby County. According to the Marshals’ statement, officers issued repeated verbal commands and then made a forced entry into the building. During the encounter, the individual allegedly pointed a handgun at task force members and officers discharged their firearms. Task force members rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.
"Federal and local law enforcement officers were attempting to serve a warrant on a wanted fugitive facing felony drug charges out of Shelby County,"
Investigations and wider context
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has taken over the probe. Locally, the shooting is the second fatal incident in Memphis this week involving members of the task force, a multi-agency operation created under a presidential executive order and staffed by federal agents, state troopers and Tennessee National Guard personnel deployed to Memphis.
Records provided by the TBI show a series of use-of-force incidents involving members assigned to the Memphis Safe Task Force since the executive order was issued. The TBI is examining each event to determine compliance with law and policy.
- Incident location: 6500 block of Poplar Avenue (Extended Stay hotel area)
- Time reported by local accounts: about 8:30 a.m.
- Type of case: attempted service of a warrant for felony drug charges
- Investigating agency: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Numbers the public should know
Public records cited by investigators detail the scale of incidents under TBI review involving officers assigned to the task force.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Total use-of-force incidents under TBI review | 8 |
| Fatal incidents | 4 |
| Non-fatal incidents | 4 |
| Incidents involving officers firing weapons | 7 |
| Other (reported run-over incident) | 1 |
Local reaction and next steps
Neighbors and community members told local reporters they want a transparent and thorough investigation. Some residents have said the task force has helped reduce violent crime in parts of the county, while others have raised concerns about the frequency of force incidents involving the unit.
The TBI will continue collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and releasing details as the investigation progresses. As of this report, public releases have not identified any of the officers involved in the incidents.
The shooting adds to ongoing conversations in Memphis about federal law enforcement presence, accountability and the city's approach to violent crime and drug enforcement. The TBI’s findings will be critical to understanding whether officers acted within policy and what steps, if any, will follow.
