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Police: 27-year veteran officer – a father and a husband – killed in horrific crash

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MEMPHIS, TN – A Memphis Police officer died from his injuries sustained during a crash on May 22nd.

While the investigation is still ongoing, officials say that the fatal incident was the result of a two-vehicle crash involving the MPD officer and the driver of a Nissan.

According to officials, 47-year -old MPD Officer Scotty Triplett was headed northbound on Hickory Hill Road in what officials said was “a department-approved escort with other Motors Officers,” at approximately 4:45 p.m. on May 22nd.

As Officer Triplett was headed northbound on Hickory Hill, the driver of a Nissan was reportedly traveling southbound on the same road and was in the process of making a left turn onto Swaying Pine Lane.

The driver of the Nissan reportedly pulled into the pathway of Officer Triplett, causing the officer to strike the front-right side of the Nissan.

Due to Officer Triplett having been on his department-issued motorcycle at the time of the incident, the crash led to some serious injuries that proved fatal for the officer after he was transported to a local hospital.

Memphis Police Director James Ryall issued the following comments upon the news that Officer Triplett succumbed to his injuries:

“Tonight, our community lost a dedicated servant and a good man. My prayers are with his family and the men and women of the Memphis Police Department.”

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also shared a statement regarding the officer’s passing:

“I was saddened to hear overnight about the loss of Officer Scotty Triplett. My sincere condolences to his wife Fran and their children. And to all the men and women of the Memphis Police Department who feel this loss as well.”

The driver of the Nissan, who has only been described as a female as of this time, was detained by authorities but no charges have been filed as of May 23rd.

In a statement from the Memphis Police Department regarding the passing of Officer Triplett, the following was noted:

“Scotty Triplett has been with the Memphis Police Department since August of 1993. We thank him for his 27 years of service and dedication to our community. At this time, we ask that you keep his wife, children, family, and the men and women of the Memphis Police Department in your prayers.”

This is an ongoing investigation.

Please follow Law Enforcement Today as we continue to gather further insight into this developing case.

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Back in April, we at Law Enforcement Today reported on another crash that resulted in an officer being killed, which this instance occurred in New York City and involved an allegedly drunk driver. 

Here’s that previous report. 

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NEW YORK, NY- According to reports, the woman who is being accused of killing New York Police Department (NYPD) Office Anastasio Tsakos with her car has been held without bail on multiple charges.

Sources to the incident told CBS2 News that the driver, 32-year-old Jessica Beauvais, was intoxicated and blew a .15 on the breathalyzer test, which is nearly double the legal limit. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

As she walked out of a Queens police precinct, she said through tears:

“I’m sorry that I hit him and that he’s dead.”

According to authorities, she struck and killed Tsakos, a 14-year veteran of the NYPD Highway Patrol Unit, while he was directing traffic away from another crash on the Long Island Expressway.

Prosecutors have alleged that Beauvais admitted she was drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana before she got in the car. She also admitted that she did not know where she was going and that she was following her GPS.

Police said that she was speeding and ignored the traffic cones and flashing lights before hitting Tsakos with her Volkswagen Passat. New York City Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said in a statement:

“Police officer who died saving other police officers. His partner yelled out and other police officers were able to get out of the way.”

With her windshield smashed, police said Beauvais drove off, dragging a safety cone past several exits. She was eventually arrested and prosecutors stated that body camera footage captured her asking an officer, “What did I do?”

Police stated that Beauvais was driving with a suspended license and is due back in court later this month. She reportedly has a history of traffic violations. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said that bail reform and legalized marijuana are adding to the issue. He said:

“I think the problem is, you know, there’s no consequences when they’re doing things and it’s fueling this just toxic environment right now.”

Beauvais faces 13 counts, including second-degree aggravated manslaughter and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fox News reported that she made “demonizing” comments about local law enforcement on a podcast she recorded prior to the fatal accident.

Prior to striking Tsakos on the highway, Beauvais allegedly recorded a podcast in which she said “(expletive) the police” and went on to criticize recent officer-involved shootings. She said in her podcast:

“Why do you need a weapon to do your job? If you were afraid for you life, go be a secretary at Walmart. Do us all a favor. Go up up a daycare, but please stop hitting us with the (expletive) excuse that you felt threatened about something.”

According to reports, throughout the podcast video, Beauvais is seen vaping and drinking an unknown dark liquid from a plastic cup and at one point, washes down the contents of a red shot glass with a bottle of Snapple. Police sources stated that she later confessed to guzzling vodka before the deadly accident.

An NYPD spokesperson told Fox News that so far police have not found any connection between the comments Beauvais made on her podcast and the alleged crimes, but it is “still being investigated.”

Following her arrest, Beauvais apologized for the 43-year-old officer’s death as she was being led out of the 107th Precinct in Queens. She said:

“I am sorry that I hit him and that he’s dead. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry! I was coming from the studio. I do a podcast.”

Meanwhile, people across the area are paying tribute to the fallen hero, who left behind a wife and two young children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. 

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About The Author

Gregory Hoyt is an I.T. Marketing and Sales professional based out in Sierra Vista, Arizona. While being a staunch and outspoken advocate of law enforcement and first responders, Gregory Hoyt also has the experience of having spent nearly 5 years in prison as well. Since then, he's used his unique perspective to offer support and commentary about the criminal justice system. When not working or combating bad ideas, Hoyt also leisurely studies economics, history, and law.

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