An Arkansas state trooper was struck by gunfire after crossing into Tennessee on Thursday afternoon and becoming involved in a shootout in Memphis that left two suspects dead, authorities said.
The 33-year-old trooper, Spencer Morris, is known to be a three-year veteran of the highway patrol division of the Arkansas State Police. Trooper Morris was transported to a Memphis hospital where doctors determined he had not sustained any life-threatening wounds. According to Arkansas State Police, he received treatment for his injuries and was discharged from the hospital.
The report said that Morris had a bulletproof vest on during the gunfire, which occurred shortly before 3 p.m. along Interstate 55.
According to the report, the incident began in Arkansas, when troopers were in pursuit of a vehicle with two men inside. One of the suspects inside the car was being sought on a warrant from South Carolina, the report said.
During the chase, one of the suspects opened fire at the troopers from the car, with at least one trooper returning fire, FOX 13 reported. Ultimately, both suspects were gunned down by the troopers.
Vehicular traffic was halted temporarily in the area of the gunfire as Memphis police and the U.S. Marshals Service joined the Arkansas State Police and the TBI in the probe, the report said.
As required under Arkansas State Police policy, Trooper Morris is currently on paid administrative leave while an investigation involving the use of deadly force is underway.
