MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — A 41-year-old Memphis truck driver is out on a $2,500 bond after a man was killed when the tractor-trailer he was driving collided with a white Yukon SUV that burst into flames in Hickory Hill early Sunday morning — and the victim’s sister is demanding to know why the driver who police say smelled of alcohol is only facing misdemeanor charges.
Jessie Harris was booked at the Shelby County Jail on charges of driving under the influence and public intoxication, both misdemeanors. He bonded out and is scheduled to appear in court on November 19.
Memphis Police officers responding to the area of Winchester and Riverdale Roads around 4 a.m. on October 11 found a tractor-trailer and a white Yukon engulfed in flames. Harris flagged officers down and asked for help freeing the Yukon driver. An officer helped the driver out of the burning vehicle, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been publicly identified.
According to the affidavit, Harris said he was traveling southbound on Riverdale and attempting to turn left onto Riverdale Bend Road when the northbound Yukon collided with his truck. Officers reported a strong odor of alcohol on Harris’s breath, glossy eyes, and an inability to complete standardized field sobriety tests. Harris stumbled multiple times during the tests. He agreed to a blood draw for chemical testing; results are pending.
The victim’s sister, who asked to remain anonymous, said her 38-year-old brother had worked for the City of Memphis since 2013 and would have turned 39 next month. He was on his way to work when he was killed. Coworkers saw the truck and notified the family.
“It’s not fair that he’s walking around and my brother is deceased,” she said. “Why would you get behind the wheel intoxicated? He was a good guy. Always goes to work. No kids. Three dogs and a girlfriend.”
She said she plans to attend every one of Harris’s court appearances and believes he should face vehicular homicide charges. Investigators told her the case remains open.
Interviews courtesy of local media.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
