Shelby County judicial commissioner had approved suspect’s no bond release in March, despite an illegal weapons charge.
An 18-year-old man in Memphis, Tennessee, who died during a shootout with police Friday while also killing a police officer, had been recently released from jail with no bail on a violent weapons charge.
Interim Police Director CJ Davis explained the suspect, Jaylen Lobley, and a 17-year-old passenger fired on Memphis officers as police approached their vehicle around 2AM.
Following the shootout, “The suspect drove off, and police followed until the vehicle stopped a few blocks away,” reports the Associated Press.
“One suspect was taken into custody immediately,” MPD wrote on X. “One fled the scene and was located nearby.”
Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney died during the shootout and two other officers were also struck.
During a press conference, Davis admitted one of the suspects had been arrested in March for driving a stolen vehicle, possessing an illegally modified handgun outfitted with a “Glock switch,” and possessing a device that aids in the theft of vehicles.
“The suspect was released at that time without bond,” Davis added.
The Shelby County DA’s office reported a county judge released Lobley last month on no bond, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal,
The Shelby County District Attorney’s office confirmed that the 18-year-old, named Jaylen Lobley, had been arrested and released in March on his own recognizance. Lobley, court records show, was arrested March 5 this year and charged with theft of property $10,000-$60,000, unlawful possession of a firearm, prohibited weapons (having a Glock switch) and vandalism.
The suspect’s ROR (release on recognizance) bond, was blasted by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
“This bond was granted by a Shelby County judicial commissioner following a hearing where our office strongly argued against lowering the bond, citing the defendant’s danger to the community,” Mulroy said in a statement on his website. “Despite our arguments, the commissioner approved the ROR bond.”
