National Guard Members Fatally Shoot Armed Man During Memphis Foot Pursuit

Two Tennessee National Guard members fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson early Sunday during a foot pursuit in downtown Memphis. Authorities said Johnson turned toward the soldiers with a firearm while they responded with local police to reports of gunshots around 4 a.m. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation identified Johnson and is leading the probe.

Johnson died at the scene. Two National Guard medical specialists attempted first aid, according to Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Darrin Haas. No law enforcement personnel were injured. Johnson’s grandfather, Evaniel Johnson, said his grandson had taken classes at Tennessee State University, was the father of a young child, and was preparing to help lead the family construction business.

He added that Johnson was passionate about making music.

“I believed in him, and I know he still had so much life ahead of him." The Memphis Safe Task Force, which includes the National Guard members, has led to more than 10,000 arrests since its launch last year, the U.S. Marshals Service reported in June. TBI data show at least four officer-involved shootings tied to the task force. Federal troops have patrolled Memphis since October. In April the Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled that state and local officials lacked standing to block the deployment.”