Quick Read
- A statewide Blue Alert was activated in Tennessee following the shooting of a Memphis police officer.
- Danell Maxwell, 40, is identified as the suspect in the attempted first-degree murder.
- The officer was shot Thursday evening in Parkway Village and is in serious but stable condition.
- Blue Alerts are public safety notifications for violent offenders who harm law enforcement, similar to AMBER Alerts.
- Authorities urge public vigilance and tips to locate Maxwell, who is considered armed and dangerous.
MEMPHIS (Azat TV) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) activated a statewide Blue Alert shortly before midnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026, following the shooting of a Memphis police officer. The alert initiated an intensive manhunt for 40-year-old Danell Maxwell, identified as the primary suspect in the attempted first-degree murder of the officer in the Parkway Village neighborhood.
The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. Thursday near South Perkins Road and Cottonwood Road. The wounded officer, whose identity has not yet been released, was transported to Regional One Medical Center in serious but stable condition and is currently fighting for their life, according to sources familiar with the incident. The activation of the Blue Alert signals the urgent need for public assistance in locating Maxwell, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Memphis Officer Shooting Prompts Blue Alert
The shooting prompted an immediate and widespread response from law enforcement. The Blue Alert, issued around midnight, describes Danell Maxwell as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, and last seen wearing dark-colored clothing along with an orange and green reflective vest. Authorities believe he is armed with a silver handgun.
Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. confirmed the incident late Thursday, expressing deep concern for the officer’s condition and urging community support in the search. The TBI is leading the investigation at the request of local authorities, a standard procedure in Tennessee for incidents involving or crimes against law enforcement officers. As of Friday afternoon, the Blue Alert remained active, and Maxwell had not yet been apprehended.
Understanding the Blue Alert System
A Blue Alert is a public safety notification system designed to facilitate the rapid apprehension of violent offenders who have killed or seriously injured a law enforcement officer in the line of duty. Modeled after the AMBER Alert system for missing children, Blue Alerts disseminate critical information across various channels, including television, radio, wireless emergency alerts on cellphones, and highway message signs.
The system, supported by the National Blue Alert Network under the U.S. Department of Justice, is activated when specific criteria are met: an officer has been killed or seriously wounded, the suspect poses an imminent threat to public safety or other officers, and sufficient descriptive information is available to aid in locating the individual. Alerts can also be issued for missing officers or those facing credible threats. Tennessee actively participates in this national framework, ensuring statewide coordination between agencies like the TBI and local departments such as the Memphis Police Department, leveraging community assistance while warning the public of potential danger.
Intensive Manhunt for Danell Maxwell Underway
The search for Danell Maxwell is intensive, covering Tennessee and potentially extending to bordering states like Arkansas and Mississippi, given Memphis’s strategic location. The TBI and Memphis Police Department are coordinating efforts, with federal partners possibly joining if the suspect crosses jurisdictional lines. Authorities have urged anyone with information on Maxwell’s whereabouts to contact the Memphis Police Department at 901-528-2274 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Tips can also be submitted anonymously, reinforcing the call for public vigilance and cooperation.
Law enforcement officials have stressed the importance of residents remaining vigilant, avoiding any direct approach to the suspect if sighted, and immediately reporting any observations to authorities. A heavy law enforcement presence was maintained at Regional One Hospital into Friday morning as officers stood vigil, awaiting updates on their colleague’s condition.
Community’s Role in Blue Alert Success
The public response to the Blue Alert has included widespread sharing on social media platforms, with many expressing prayers for the injured officer’s recovery and frustration over the ongoing violence against first responders. While some residents in nearby areas speculated on potential locations, officials have emphasized the importance of relying solely on verified information from official channels. The incident highlights the critical role Blue Alerts play in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public during high-stakes manhunts, a system that has historically aided in the apprehension of numerous suspects nationwide.
The shooting incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by Memphis law enforcement, which has contended with high violent crime rates and significant officer safety concerns in recent years. Community leaders and police unions have consistently highlighted the inherent risks officers face daily in the line of duty, making the success of systems like the Blue Alert crucial for both officer safety and broader public security.
The activation of the Blue Alert in Memphis not only mobilizes law enforcement resources but also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by police officers and the vital role community cooperation plays in ensuring public safety and bringing dangerous suspects to justice.