MEMPHIS, TN — October 14, 2026 A police pursuit in Memphis ended in a fatal multi-vehicle collision that claimed the life of Renisha Thompson and left two other motorists injured, according to authorities. Justin Thomas, 32, was identified as the driver accused of fleeing law enforcement before the crash near West Levi Road and South Third Street.
According to information released by the Memphis Safe Task Force and reported by local media, officers had been monitoring Thomas in the 800 block of Red Leaf Lane. Authorities said he was associated with a previous incident involving an attempted traffic stop and had an outstanding warrant related to a weapons charge.
Investigators reported that Thomas entered a matte-black Cadillac with Thompson as a passenger. After the vehicle departed, authorities alleged that the driver made several evasive maneuvers and U-turns in a residential area.
Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers subsequently attempted to stop the Cadillac near West Shelby Drive and South Third Street. Officials said the driver did not stop, prompting a vehicle pursuit.
The pursuit ended near West Levi Road and South Third Street, where the Cadillac reportedly struck four other vehicles. Thompson was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Thomas was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Two other motorists sustained injuries described in local reporting as minor.
Thomas faces charges reported to include vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter, possession of controlled substances, speeding, and fleeing law enforcement. The precise formal charge terminology should be verified against the current court record before publication.
