MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong has a zero tolerance stance when it comes to officers threatening to do harm to others, and he isn't hiding his displeasure with two officers accused of threatening to kill members of city government.
According to cops, Officers Parker Culver and Marc Henderson are upset about budget cuts within the Memphis Police Department. They allegedly made threats to use deadly force against those responsible for those cuts.
"What's going on in California, under no stretch of the imagination do I want something like that to happen in this city," said Armstrong, referring to a former Los Angeles cop, accused of killing police officers and members of their family.
He said the situation in California is extremely troubling because two of his police force have threatened to commit similar violent acts.
"I did receive threats in reference to some high ranking officials in the city," he said. "With that said, I am a high ranking official in the city so I guess you can loop me right into that."
Investigators stated Officers Henderson and Culver threatened to take over the weapons room at Ridgeway Station and shoot members of Memphis city government.
"The thing that concerns me the most is we didn't hear about this through rumors. We heard about this through co-workers. You have to understand how difficult it would be for an officer to say, 'I think you need to look at this officer,' for whatever reason."
Armstrong said the officers didn't specifically name those they wanted to target, but he takes the threats seriously.
"You would like to think are these officers blowing off steam - are these officers just talking locker room talk? But you can't leave it to us or the public to interpret your intentions. That type of behavior won't be tolerated. I assure you a day will come they'll be held accountable for their statement."
The two officers are suspended with pay until the investigation is complete.
