MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A Memphis Police Officer is in critical but stable condition after he was shot by a fellow officer during a drug raid Thursday afternoon.
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said Willie Bryant, 32, a 9-year-veteran of the Memphis Police Department, underwent surgery Thursday evening.
"We are asking for your continued prayers for the officer as he fights to get through surgery." said Armstrong.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on November 8 on the 500-block of Arrington Avenue.
"It sounded like a machine gun, but it wasn't as loud. Boom boom," said Dorothy Duncan, who lives behind the house that was raided.
According to Armstrong, officers had forced their way into the house when a large dog attacked them. "One of the officers assigned to the entry team attempted to shoot the dog and while doing so mistakenly shot an officer," he said.
"I guess they called in for backup and police just came from everywhere," Duncan said. "So many police came - from north, south, east, and west."
Officer Bryant is with the Organized Crime Unit, and was executing a drug-related search warrant when he was shot. He was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Two suspects from the where the warrant was being served were taken into custody. Neighbors told ABC 24 News the residence is a known drug house.
Memphis police later charged Lazarus Johnson, 33, and Charles Cross, 37, on drugs and weapons charges. Cross was also charged with resisting arrest.
Willie Bryant has served on the Memphis Police Department since November 2003. The other officer involved has been relieved of duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
