Bodycam Shows Tenn. Officer Shot; Suspect in Custody Months Later

Newly released body camera footage captured a frightening incident earlier this year when a Tennessee police officer was shot during a traffic stop. The video was released days after a suspect in the shooting was finally apprehended.

The shooting happened shortly after 8 p.m. Feb. 26 when a Memphis Police Officer Oscar Torres-Molina pulled over a vehicle, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). In the body camera video, Torres-Molina is seen patting down a suspect, identified as Danell Maxwell.

Torres-Molina asked if Maxwell had anything on him, and he replied that he had a gun. As Torres-Molina escorted Maxwell to his cruiser, the officer was apparently shot by Maxwell, who is seen in the video holding a handgun. 

"During the stop, Officer Torres-Molina recovered a firearm and placed it inside the vehicle," police officials told WATN-TV. "The suspect … had a second firearm concealed on his person, which was then used to shoot Officer Torres-Molina."

Torres-Molina was able to call for help following the shooting. A responding officer rushed Torres-Molina to the hospital in critical condition. He has since been released from the hospital and continues to recover, according to police.

A search ensued for Maxwell, who was able to evade authorities until last week. He was arrested Thursday by U.S. Marshals and deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Fugitive team, according to the TBI.

A 38-year-old woman, Tokeytha Owens, also was arrested. She has been charged as an accessory after the fact.

“For the past couple of months, investigators and our federal and local law enforcement partners worked tirelessly to locate the suspect responsible for shooting Officer Torres-Molina," Chief C.J. Davis said in a statement after the arrest. "Today’s arrests reflect the dedication, coordination, and determination behind this investigation. We are grateful to the United States Marshals Service for their swift action and continued partnership, and we remain focused on supporting Officer Torres-Molina as he continues his recovery.”

Maxwell appeared in court Tuesday. He is charged with criminal attempt first degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.