OFFICER VERDELL SMITH (Source: Facebook)

A Memphis police officer was killed after three people were shot downtown.

MPD interim Director Mike Rallings confirmed that Officer Verdell Smith was pronounced dead from his injuries at 10:45 p.m. Saturday.

Police said two people were shot at Westy’s on North Main. Those two victims were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Police said the suspect then ran to Bass Pro Pyramid and shot an employee. That man was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition.

Mayor Jim Strickland also issued a statement on Officer Smith’s death: “My family joins all of Memphis in mourning the loss of Officer Verdell Smith, who gave his life in service to our city. I call on every Memphian to remember Officer Smith’s family in prayer and reflection today and in the coming days — and to be grateful for the dangerous, important work our men and women of MPD perform every day.'”

Read the full story: Memphis police officer killed after 3 shot downtown; suspect in – WMC Action News 5 – Memphis, Tennessee