MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Memphis police officer who was struck by the fleeing vehicle of a man suspected in a downtown shooting that left three other people injured died Saturday night, police said.

Officer Verdell Smith, 46, was pronounced dead from his injuries at 10:45 p.m. Saturday, Memphis Police Department Director Mike Rallings said during a news conference.

Police said two people were taken to the hospital in critical condition after being shot by the suspect on North Main about 10 p.m. Saturday. They say the suspect then ran to Bass Pro Pyramid and shot a male employee. The condition of that victim was not immediately available.

Police said the suspect then fled in a vehicle and later struck Smith. The unidentified suspect is in custody and is expected to face charges.

Rallins said Smith was an 18-year police veteran who is survived by a father, fiance, son and two daughters.

"He's a man's man and he was an officer's officer. He was definitely a great father," Rallings said. "Like I said, he loved his son_always talked about him, always had him with him. I think his son is taking it really, really hard. He had two daughters as well."

Rallings said the Memphis department will never be the same.

"It's not going to be the same without him. It's not going to be the same without Bolton. It's not going to be the same without Martoiya Lang. It's going to be the same without any of these individuals that we have lost, you know, because what they did — it's like taking a piece of you away. Each one of them have their own characteristics that they bring to this job. When called to do the job that they've been asked to do--each and every one of these individuals has done that."