Police officer-involved shooting: 300 West Franklin St., January 7, 2026.

On January 7, 2026, at approximately 9:18 p.m., a Central District officer conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of West Franklin Street after identifying a vehicle displaying a suspended registration tag. While returning the driver’s license and registration, the officer observed a firearm in the driver’s waistband. The officer issued verbal commands to the driver and advised that he was going to reach into the vehicle to disarm him. As the officer reached into the vehicle, the driver fled the scene, dragging the officer. While being dragged, the officer discharged at least one round into the vehicle. The officer then fell to the ground as the vehicle continued fleeing the area. The driver, 29-year-old Marquise Wells, drove himself to an area hospital seeking treatment for at least one gunshot wound. He has since been released from the hospital and interviewed by detectives. He was transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility and is charged with First and Second-Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and additional charges.   The officer sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. He has since been released from the hospital. The involved BPD officer was Officer Rayon Lawrence, a two-year veteran. Investigators from the Special Investigations Response Team (SIRT) are investigating the incident. The Department has also activated its Public Release of Critical Incident Recordings Policy. For more information on this policy, click here. Anyone with information in reference to this incident is asked to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.