The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation activated a statewide Blue Alert shortly before midnight Thursday for 40-year-old Danell Maxwell, wanted in connection with the shooting of a Memphis police officer in the Parkway Village neighborhood.

Authorities say the officer was shot around 8:15 p.m. Thursday near South Perkins Road and Cottonwood Road. The officer, whose identity and gender have not been released, was transported to Regional One Medical Center in serious but stable condition and is fighting for their life, according to sources familiar with the incident.

The Blue Alert, issued around midnight, identifies Maxwell as the suspect in the attempted first-degree murder of the officer. He is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds, last seen wearing dark-colored clothing and an orange and green reflective vest. He is believed to be armed with a silver handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Maxwell’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Memphis Police Department at 901-528-2274 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.

A Blue Alert is a public safety notification system designed to aid in the rapid apprehension of violent offenders who have killed or seriously injured a law enforcement officer in the line of duty. Modeled after the AMBER Alert for missing children, Blue Alerts disseminate critical information through television, radio, wireless emergency alerts on cellphones, highway message signs and other channels.

The system, supported by the National Blue Alert Network under the U.S. Department of Justice, activates when criteria are met: an officer has been killed or seriously wounded, the suspect poses an imminent threat to public safety or other officers, and sufficient descriptive information is available to assist in locating the individual. Alerts can also issue for missing officers or those facing credible threats.

Tennessee participates in the national framework, allowing statewide coordination between agencies like the TBI and local departments such as Memphis Police. The alert helps mobilize community assistance while warning the public of potential danger.

The shooting occurred in Parkway Village, a residential area in southeast Memphis. A heavy law enforcement presence remained at Regional One Hospital into the early morning hours Friday as officers stood vigil while the wounded officer received treatment.

Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. confirmed the incident late Thursday, expressing concern for the officer’s condition and calling for community support in locating the suspect.

No additional details on the circumstances leading to the shooting have been released, including whether it stemmed from a traffic stop, domestic call or other encounter. The TBI is leading the investigation at the request of local authorities, standard protocol in Tennessee for officer-involved incidents or crimes against officers.

The incident marks another challenge for Memphis law enforcement, which has faced high violent crime rates and officer safety concerns in recent years. Community leaders and police unions have repeatedly highlighted the risks officers face daily.

As of Friday afternoon, the Blue Alert remained active with no reports of Maxwell’s apprehension. Law enforcement urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid approaching the suspect if sighted and report any sightings immediately.

Public response to the alert included widespread sharing on social media, with many expressing prayers for the officer’s recovery and frustration over violence against first responders. Some residents in nearby areas like Cordova and midtown speculated on possible locations, though officials stressed relying on verified information.

The case underscores the purpose of Blue Alerts: to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public in high-stakes manhunts. Since its inception, the system has helped apprehend numerous suspects nationwide by leveraging widespread notifications.

For now, authorities continue an intensive search across Tennessee and potentially bordering states, given Memphis’s location near Arkansas and Mississippi. The TBI and Memphis PD are coordinating efforts, with possible assistance from federal partners if the suspect crosses jurisdictions.

The wounded officer’s condition was described as stable but critical, with updates expected as medical teams provide care. The Memphis Police Department has not named the officer pending family notification and in line with department policy.

This developing story highlights ongoing concerns about officer safety amid rising tensions in urban areas. As the investigation proceeds, more details may emerge about the encounter and Maxwell’s background.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and assist by providing any credible tips without endangering themselves.