Memphis Officer Shot During Traffic Stop Released from Hospital as Manhunt Continues for Suspect

Danell Jarvis Maxwell remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous after allegedly shooting Officer Oscar Torres-Molina

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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A Memphis Police Department officer, Oscar Torres-Molina, has been released from the hospital after being shot during a traffic stop on February 26th. The suspect, Danell Jarvis Maxwell, 40, remains at large and is the subject of an ongoing multi-state manhunt. The Memphis Police Department has provided a detailed timeline of the events leading up to and following the shooting.

Why it matters

The shooting of Officer Torres-Molina has heightened concerns about public safety and the risks officers face during routine traffic stops. The ongoing manhunt for the suspect, Danell Jarvis Maxwell, has involved multiple law enforcement agencies across state lines, underscoring the seriousness of the incident and the need to apprehend the alleged perpetrator.

The details

According to the timeline provided by the Memphis Police Department, Officer Torres-Molina initiated a traffic stop on a white Nissan Maxima at the intersection of Perkins Road and Aloha Avenue on February 26th at around 8:09 p.m. The officer reported shots fired and requested immediate assistance. Additional officers arrived within five minutes, providing aid and transporting Officer Torres-Molina to the hospital. Evidence at the scene led to the identification of Danell Jarvis Maxwell as the suspect. The suspect's vehicle was found wrecked and abandoned, and a large-scale search was launched, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and utilizing various resources.

  • On February 26th at 8:09 p.m., Officer Torres-Molina initiated a traffic stop on a white Nissan Maxima.
  • On February 26th at 8:11 p.m., the officer reported shots fired and requested immediate assistance.
  • On February 26th at 8:21 p.m., the suspect's vehicle was found wrecked and abandoned, and a large-scale search was launched.
  • On February 26th at 8:30 p.m., Officer Torres-Molina was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
  • On February 27th at 12:02 a.m., the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued a statewide Blue Alert for Danell Maxwell.

The players

Oscar Torres-Molina

A Memphis Police Department officer who was shot during a traffic stop and has since been released from the hospital.

Danell Jarvis Maxwell

A 40-year-old suspect who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous after allegedly shooting Officer Torres-Molina.

Memphis Police Department

The law enforcement agency that provided the timeline of events and is leading the search for the suspect.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)

The state law enforcement agency that issued a statewide Blue Alert for Danell Maxwell.

Memphis Safe Streets Task Force

The multi-agency task force that is assisting in the search for the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We must apprehend this dangerous suspect as soon as possible to ensure the safety of our community.”

— Chief Toney Armstrong, Memphis Police Department (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Danell Jarvis Maxwell to be released on bail. Authorities continue to urge the public to be on the lookout for the suspect and to contact 911 immediately if he is spotted.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks officers face during routine traffic stops and the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency response to apprehend dangerous suspects. The ongoing manhunt for Danell Jarvis Maxwell underscores the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to ensure public safety.