The following account was discovered in the files of the Memphis Police Department. Most of the administrative information on this report was lost in a fire, though the description of the police action remained on the form. This report was created in June of 2021, and is apparently the transcript of an incident captured on a dashboard camera installed in Thomas and Jones’ police vehicle. -ed
By William “Doc” Stodden
At aprox 1724, Officer J. Thomas stopped victim Frederico Martinez and Latino female passenger, identity not determined ATM, east of the corner of Southern and Lamar. Thomas reported on radio that Martinez was driving erratically and had swerved several times into oncoming traffic. Officer Thomas engaged lights and sirens and obtained compliance from Martinez.
As Officer Thomas approached the automobile, Officer Jones observed a physical altercation occurring in the automobile. Officer Jones radioed for backup, while Officer Thomas approached the car. Thomas ordered Martinez to place hands out of the window, Martinez failed to comply, but continued the apparent altercation in the car.
Officer Thomas drew his sidearm and repeated his order. Jones moved to assist on the passenger side. At this time, Officer Jones observed what appeared to be blood splattered all over the inside of the passenger side window. The blood appeared to be coming from a massive wound on the side of Unidentified female passenger’s head. Officer Thomas repeated his order a third time, at which point, Martinez desisted from the physical altercation with Unidentified Female Passenger.
Officer Thomas kept his side arm at the ready, and proceeded to order Martinez out of the vehicle. Martinez appeared to have trouble operating the door. After some difficulty, Martinez appeared to completely remove the door mechanism from the door, essentially disabling the door from the inside.
Meanwhile, Unidentified Female Passenger proceeded to open her door and slowly step outside. Officer Jones ordered Unidentified Female Passenger to remain in the automobile. Unidentified Female Passenger ignored the command to remain inside the vehicle, and instead proceeded at top speed around the front of the car with the aim of attacking Officer Thomas. Before she could get to the Officer, Thomas issued an order to stop, which she ignored.
At precisely 1726, Officer Thomas discharged his firearm…
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