MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A Memphis police officer is still critical at The MED, accidentally shot by a fellow police officer aiming for an attack dog in a north Memphis drug raid. But what was found inside that drug house makes a dog look like the least of the MPD'S worries.
As Officer Willie Bryant fights for his life, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton hold out hope the 9-year veteran makes a full recovery.
Director Armstrong said not only is he praying for Officer Bryant, he's praying for the Organized Crime Unit officer that accidentally shot him.
"The officer responsible, you can't imagine what he's going through right now," he said. "His emotions are all over the place."
The shooting happened as Bryant and other members of the OCU served a drug warrant at a home on the 500-block of Arrington.
Armstrong said, "You have to be ready for absolutely anything… You never know what you're going to encounter when you kick a door in."
What they encountered was large attack dog. Armstrong said when an officer went to shoot the dog, "one of our officers was mistakenly shot by another officer."
Police also encountered 33-year-old Lazarus Johnson and 37-year-old Charles Cross. The two were wanted on drug charges.
Police say they did find drugs at the home, marijuana and crack cocaine. They also found several guns, more than 60 rounds of ammo and three bulletproof vests.
"One of those handguns was able to shoot a .223 round which is an armor piercing round. That round would have pierced our bullet proof vests that have no capability of stopping that round," said Armstrong.
Mayor Wharton said what needs to stop is criminals locked and loaded with dangerous weapons.
"I am deeply troubled by the ease the criminal element is getting access to weapons," Wharton said. "You're armed like you're in guerilla warfare somewhere in Afghanistan, there ain't no place for you on our streets."
The OCU officer responsible for shooting Bryant is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. MPD hasn't released his name.
