Newbern police officers shot, transported to Regional One in Memphis

MIKE SMITH

msmith@stategazette.com

At 2:23 on Monday morning, the Newbern Police Department received a disturbance call at Betty’s Bar. Once at the scene, shots were fired by at least two individuals, injuring two police officers.

Mike Smith

According to Newbern officials, officers Alex Martin and Cranston Fisk both suffered gunshot injuries. Martin remains in stable condition after surgery Monday morning from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, while Fisk remains in stable condition after being shot in the leg and foot.

A third person from Newbern was transported to Regional One in Memphis with a gunshot wound, but Newbern officials could not confirm or deny whether or not he was involved in shooting at the bar.

According to Mayor Justin Wright, the TBI is handling the investigation, one where 2 suspects remain at large. On Monday morning, the TBI blocked both entrances to Smith St. as the investigation into the shooting continues.

A Dyer County Sheriff patrol car sits at the entrance of Smith Street in Newbern as the TBI continues its investigation into the New Year's Day shooting that left 2 officers of the Newbern Police Department with gunshot injuries.

Mike Smith

Wright said he was called regarding the shooting at around 2:30 Monday morning, and shortly after arrived at the Emergency Room at Tennova Regional Hospital in Dyersburg. A short time later, Martin was transported by ambulance to Regional One in Memphis, followed by Fisk.

Wright followed behind and remained in Memphis at Regional One with the officers as of mid-morning on Monday. The mayor praised the efforts of Newbern’s officers on Monday morning, saying the situation could have been much worse if not for the actions of the two officers.

“Officers Alex Martin and Cranston Fisk showed great bravery and courage in the face of these horrific events. Their willingness to serve helped to protect the well being and lives of many individuals,” explained Wright. “I would also like to thank the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the TBI for the support they have provided in this difficult time. Our thoughts and continued prayers are with our officers and their families.”

Officer Cranston Fisk

Mike Smith

Martin is a 4-year veteran of law enforcement, spending the last 2 years with the NPD, while Fisk will celebrate his first year on the force in March of 2018.

The State Gazette will update the story as more facts become available.