Memphis cop killing suspect surrenders

Show Caption Hide Caption Suspected Memphis cop killer caught The emotional manhunt for a paroled bank robber suspected of fatally shooting a Memphis police officer ended Monday evening when the suspect surrendered.

The emotional manhunt for a paroled bank robber suspected of fatally shooting a Memphis police officer ended Monday evening when the suspect surrendered to the U.S. Marshal's office, local and federal authorities announced.

Tremain Wilbourn, 29, was accompanied by his family when he arrived at the federal building in Memphis, the U.S. attorney's office said shortly after the Shelby, Tenn., sheriff tweeted that he was in custody.

"I think he felt the walls closing in and thought it would be in his best interest to turn himself in," Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said at an evening news conference.

Wilbourn is accused of killing Officer Sean Bolton, 33, during what started out as a simple traffic stop Saturday night, Armstrong had said. Bolton had stopped to examine a vehicle parked illegally in a South Memphis neighborhood but apparently interrupted a drug deal. Wilbourn was in the passenger seat and, after "some type of physical altercation," he drew a gun and shot Bolton, Armstrong said.

Wilbourn had been free on supervised release for a 122-month bank robbery sentence, Armstrong said. Wilbourn now faces a first-degree murder charge. He is due in court Tuesday.

Armstrong said the drug transaction in question amounted to "less than two grams of marijuana," which constituted "a misdemeanor citation and a fine."

"I think it's safe to say that when you look at this individual, you're looking at a coward. He's a coward," Armstrong said, holding up a photo of Wilbourn. "You gun down, you murder a police officer for less than 2 grams of marijuana. You've literally destroyed a family. Look at the impact that that's had on this department, this community, this city, for less than 2 grams of marijuana."

Armstrong said Monday evening that Wilbourn disputed his characterization of him the night before. " 'One, I’m not a cold-blooded killer, and two, I am not a coward,' ” Armstrong quoted Wilbourn as telling him in a brief conversation after his arrest.

The U.S. Marshal's Service had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Wilbourn's arrest. The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal quoted Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton as saying he would ask the city council to match that amount.

Earlier, Armstrong said a member of the public called dispatch at 9:18 p.m. CT Saturday, using Bolton's radio to report that the officer had been shot multiple times.

"Please hurry up, he's shot!" the male voice says into the radio. Officers quickly arrived at the scene, and another desperate, excited voice can be heard.

"Call the ambulance, 275, call the ambulance!" an officer says. Bolton was rushed to Regional Medical Center in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.

Armstrong said the driver turned himself in to police on Sunday. He was released without being charged.

Bolton, who joined the force in 2010, served a tour in Iraq and studied political science at the University of Memphis.

"It's a difficult time for all the officers," Armstrong said. "And difficult time for the city, as well."

In July 2011, Memphis Officer Tim Warren was killed while responding to a shooting. In December 2012, Officer Martoiya Lang was killed while serving a warrant.

"This is my third time in four years, and it doesn't get any easier," Armstrong said.

Contributing: Michael Winter