MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man has been charged in the death of a Memphis firefighter who was killed in a crash in South Memphis.
The crash happened on Aug. 10.
MORE: MFD identifies firefighter who died in crash in South Memphis
Memphis Fire officials identified David Pleasant as the firefighter who died. Three other firemen were rushed to a hospital after the incident, all of them in critical condition.
They were later released.
Pleasant, a 32-year fire veteran, died at Regional One.
The crew had been responding to a house fire.
Memphis Police identified Maurice Yarbrough, 39, as the man who crashed into the fire truck at Wellington and Crump Boulevard.
According to an affidavit, Yarbrough was driving a green Ford F150 westbound on Crump in the left lane.
The fire engine that Pleasant was driving was headed southbound on Wellington will full emergency lights and sirens activated.
Yarbrough was speeding recklessly and drove through the red light, MPD said.
The front of his truck smashed into the fire engine near the left front wheels, causing it to overturn.
Yarbrough’s license had been suspended due to various charges, and he had no proof of insurance.
Records show his vehicle registration had also expired in March of 2020.
Yarbrough is charged with vehicular homicide - reckless; driving while license s/r/c; violation of financial law; violation of vehicle registration law; disregard red light; fail to exercise due care; and failure to stop for emergency vehicle.
PHOTOS: Crash sends four MFD firefighters to the hospital
A witness called the accident “terrifying” to see.
“The fireman was blowing his horn, he had the right of way,” said Cathy Jackson said, speaking to FOX13 Investigates. “When (the fire engine) got to the light, (it) went on because (it) had the green light, but the other truck, I don’t know if the guy was paying attention or not. He ran smack into him.”
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