Police Officer Michael Christopher Waters

Michael Christopher Waters

Officer Michael Waters was killed in an automobile crash during a vehicle pursuit following an armed robbery of a grocery store at 9:00 p.m.

Officers spotted the suspected vehicle on I-55 and began chasing it. During the pursuit, Officer Waters' patrol car struck a concrete barrier in a construction zone and flipped over. Officer Waters was ejected from the patrol car and then struck by a second patrol car. Officer Waters was transported to Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was pronounced dead. Another officer riding with Officer Waters was injured in the accident.

The three suspects that the officers were pursuing were arrested in Memphis early the next morning and held in connection with the original robbery and the death of Officer Waters. The driver was convicted of manslaughter and fleeing, was sentenced to 60 years in prison, and has been paroled. The two other subjects pleaded guilty to theft.

Officer Waters had served with the West Memphis Police Department for 2 years. He is survived by his wife and parents.