Memphis Police Officer Shot, Blue Alert Issued

Authorities search for suspect Danell Maxwell, considered armed and dangerous

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Memphis police officer was critically injured in a shooting incident, prompting the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to issue a statewide Blue Alert. The suspect, 40-year-old Danell Maxwell, is wanted for the attempted first-degree murder of the officer and is considered armed and dangerous.

Why it matters

Attacks on law enforcement officers are a serious threat to public safety, and the issuance of a Blue Alert indicates the authorities believe Maxwell poses an imminent danger to the community. The shooting has raised concerns about violence against police and the need to apprehend the suspect quickly.

The details

According to reports, the Memphis Police Department has not released details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, but the officer is said to be in critical yet stable condition. Authorities have described Maxwell as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, and wearing dark-colored clothing along with an orange and green reflective vest. He is believed to be armed with a silver handgun.

  • The incident occurred in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued the statewide Blue Alert around midnight local time.

The players

Danell Maxwell

A 40-year-old man wanted for the attempted first-degree murder of a Memphis police officer. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Memphis Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting of one of its officers.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

The state agency that issued the Blue Alert to help capture the suspect.

JB Smiley Jr.

A Memphis City councilman who expressed concern over the attack on the officer and called for the suspect to be apprehended.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“An attack on one of our officers is an attack on the safety of our entire community. The men and women who wear the badge put their lives on the line every single day even during routine and this kind of violence cannot and will not be tolerated.”

— JB Smiley Jr., Memphis City Councilman (WREG Memphis)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Danell Maxwell out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and the importance of quickly apprehending suspects who pose a threat to public safety.