MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP, abc24.com) - Memphis Police say an officer involved in a fatal crash that left two people dead Sunday did not have his lights or sirens on.
Police stated in an August 30 release that 23-year-old Alex Beard was responding to a call for backup in "non-emergency mode" when the crash occurred at about 3 p.m. at E H Crump Blvd and Walnut Road.
Witnesses said Beard was speeding when he struck the passenger side of a 1996 Mercury Mystique that was trying to turn left. Killed were 54-year-old Delores Epps and 13-year-old Mackala Ross. They were visiting from Senatobia, Miss., for a relative's 50th birthday party.
The driver, 48-year-old Michael Ross, remains in critical condition. Another passenger was treated and released.
Beard, who also was released from the hospital, has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of an investigation. He has been with the Memphis Police Department since October 2010.
