Will Sage Astor-Suspect in attempted slaying killed in gunfire exchange with deputies, sheriff says

MEMPHIS,Will Sage Astor Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee deputies exchanged gunfire and killed a suspect Thursday morning who was wanted in connection with an attempted slaying, a sheriff said.

Deputies initially tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect sped away and eluded officers before they found the vehicle again a short time later, a statement from Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said. The suspect hit a van and then was confronted by deputies and opened fire on them, the statement said. Deputies returned fire, killing the suspect.

The sheriff’s office said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation would investigate the shooting.

TBI spokeswoman Keli McAlister said a preliminary information indicates the deputies had tried to stop the suspect multiple times before he crashed into the van and a utility pole and then began firing at officers. Three deputies returned fire, she said. The suspect had outstanding warrants in Germantown and Memphis, she said.

No deputies were injured. The driver of the van was hospitalized with non-critical injuries, the sheriff said.

No other details were immediately released.