Memphis police officer Geoffrey Redd dies two weeks after he was shot in library, MPD says

The Memphis police officer who was shot in a Memphis Public Library branch in early February died Saturday, the Memphis Police Department said in a statement.

Officer Geoffrey Redd, 49, who spent 15 years with the department, was responding to an "individual suspected of trespassing" at a business in the 5100 block of Poplar on Feb. 2, according to Keli McAlister, a public information officer for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

About 30 minutes later, that same person, later identified as Torence Jackson, Jr., was "believed to have gotten into a confrontation with a citizen" inside the Poplar-White Station Library.

"According to initial reports, as the two [officers] attempted to talk to [Jackson], [Jackson] produced a weapon and shot one of the officers," McAlister said. "The second officer returned fire, striking [Jackson]."

Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Redd was taken to Regional One Hospital in "extremely critical condition," MPD said at the time.

"Despite the best efforts by those at Regional One, Officer Redd succumbed to his injuries," MPD said Saturday.

The second officer, who shot and killed Jackson, has not been identified, but Redd was identified by Bishop Brandon Porter, pastor of Greater Community Temple COGIC in Memphis. Redd, described by Porter as "a mild-mannered individual," was a member and director of security at Greater Community Temple.

A few years ago, Redd was on duty when he was struck by a car. As soon as he recovered, he went back to the police department "to protect and serve," Porter said in a Feb. 3 interview. "We have to stand with our police officers. We may have some bad apples and we have to deal with that, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Porter was among the local pastors who delivered words of comfort at Tyre Nichols' funeral the day before the library shooting.

In its statement, MPD said Redd served at the Old Allen, Union, Raines, Mt. Moriah, Ridgeway and Appling Farms stations. Before joining the department, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Memphis officials react to the news of Redd's death

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, in a statement, recalled Redd's years of service in his condolences to the family.

"I am very saddened by the loss of Officer Geoffrey Redd," Strickland said. "He served with honor his country as a marine and his city as a police officer, and we lift up his dedicated public service to the City of Memphis for over 15 years. He was also a beloved son, father and husband, and my deepest condolences go to his family and his Memphis police family."

Redd is survived by his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren, according to a GoFundMe campaign to support the family's hospital costs.

In the hours after Redd's death was made public, multiple officials, and mayoral candidates, said they were praying for the family.

"I was deeply saddened to hear that Memphis Police Officer Geoffrey Redd had succumbed to his injuries and passed away today," said Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, a candidate in the Memphis mayoral race. "On behalf of all the men and women of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to his family, friends and the Memphis Police Department. He died protecting the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County and we are truly heartbroken."

Van Turner, another Memphis mayoral candidate and current NAACP Memphis branch president, said he and his wife are praying for the family.

"Tammie and I extend our sincere condolences to Officer Redd and his family" Turner said in a Facebook post. "We will continue to lift up his family, friends and colleagues in prayer!"

City Councilman Frank Colvett, who recently announced a bid for Memphis mayor, said Redd will serve as a reminder of the importance of having quality policing in Memphis.

"The past few weeks have reminded us of the importance of having good police officers to protect our community," Colvett said. "Officer Redd’s bravery and service to Memphis was the model of what expect in our officers. Lesley and I’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Redd."

City Councilman JB Smiley also asked that the family be kept in Memphians' prayers.

"MPD Officer Geoffrey Redd, who was shot in the line of duty on February 2nd, has succumbed to his injuries," Smiley said in a Twitter statement. "He was pronounced deceased today, Saturday, February 18, 2023. Please keep his friends and family in thoughts and prayers."

Councilman Chase Carlisle called Redd's death "heartbreaking" in a Twitter statement.

"Absolutely heartbreaking," Carlisle said. "Elizabeth and I will be praying for Officer Redd’s family and our community at large. So much healing is needed. Memphis must come together to end senseless acts of violence."

This story will be updated.

Lucas Finton is a news reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis police officer Geoffrey Redd dies two weeks after he was shot