A Memphis police officer was arrested and charged on Sunday for allegedly kidnapping and murdering a man while on-duty, according to police.
Former officer Patric Ferguson, 29, who had been with the Memphis Police Department since 2018, allegedly arrived at 30-year-old Robert Howard’s residence and forced him into the back of his squad car at gunpoint before taking him over to Frayser Boulevard and Denver Street, according to a statement from police.
Police said Ferguson was “acting on his own accord” and was armed with a “personal handgun” when he shot and killed Howard.
Howard was reported missing on Jan. 6 by his girlfriend, who told authorities that Howard was last seen around 5 p.m. on Jan. 5. (RELATED: DC May Release Violent Felons Despite Rise In Murder, Arson, Auto Theft)
Howard’s girlfriend used a tracking app to locate Howard’s phone near Lamar Avenue and Shelby Drive, but Howard was nowhere to be found, which police said prompted her to alert authorities.
An investigation determined Howard was taken from his home and shot by Ferguson, police say. Investigators say they found internet searches on Ferguson’s phone that showed he researched how to clean up crime scenes and destroy DNA evidence, according to CNN. Investigators also found evidence that Ferguson bought cinder blocks, chains and other items to help “hide evidence,” according to the report.
Police also obtained surveillance video allegedly showing Ferguson shooting Howard while on duty, CNN reported.
Ferguson was arrested and “relieved of duty” from the department. He has been charged with First Degree Murder, First Degree Murder in Perpetration of Aggravated Kidnapping, Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Abuse of a Corpse and Fabricating and Tampering with Evidence, according to police.
“No one is above the law. Knowing that a Memphis Police Officer, someone who took an oath to protect and serve, made the decision to commit this horrific crime is devastating,” Memphis Police Department Director Michael Rallings said. “His actions were not that of a law enforcement officer and should not reflect on fellow officers.”
“Our investigators responded swiftly and did an outstanding job by identifying the suspect responsible,” he continued. “This is an example of the professionalism and dedication that is displayed daily. Regardless of who you are, our investigators will conduct a thorough investigation and will seek justice for all victims.”
Joshua Rogers, 28, who was an acquaintance of Ferguson, was charged with Accessory After the Fact, Abuse of a Corpse and Fabricating and Tampering with Evidence after he allegedly helped Ferguson relocate Howard’s dead body.
A body believed to be Howard’s was recovered in the area of Second Street and the Wolf River bridge, according to police.