Memphis cop dies after shooting at library

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) — A Memphis police officer died Saturday from injuries sustained more than two weeks ago when he was shot while responding to a report about a dispute at a library, reports announced the authorities.

Police officer Geoffrey Redd was seriously injured on February 2 at the Poplar-White station library. Redd, 49, was taken to Regional One Health, where he died “despite the best efforts” of hospital staff, Memphis police said.

“Rest easy, Agent Redd. He will be missed,” the department said in announcing his passing.

Redd served in the United States Marine Corps before joining the police department in 2008. He also served as director of security at his church.

Mayor Jim Strickland offered his “sincere condolences” to the family of the slain officer as well as “his Memphis police family”.

“He honorably served his country as a Marine and his city as a police officer, and we recognize his dedicated public service to the city of Memphis for more than 15 years,” the mayor said in a statement.

During the library incident, officers responded after a man initiated the confrontation with another person. When officers tried to talk to him, he pulled out a gun and fired, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said. Redd was shocked.

His partner retaliated, knocking the attacker down.

Employees and patrons were in the library at the time, but no one else was injured, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The agency typically investigates shootings across the state when officers are involved and worked on the case at the request of the Shelby County District Attorney.

Redd’s death is the latest incident involving Memphis police.

Five former officers have been charged with second-degree murder and other charges in the violent arrest and death of Tire Nichols last month.