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.

"We've always been one step behind him, but he felt the walls closing in and thought it was in his best interest to turn himself in," Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrongtold WHBQ-TV.

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.

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 two 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 two grams of marijuana."

This undated photo released by the Memphis Police Department shows Officer Sean Bolton, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Authorities have identified Tremaine Wilbourn as a suspect in the shooting. (Memphis Police Department via AP)

Officer Sean Bolton

Photo Credit: Memphis Police Department via AP

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 as a rifleman in the Marine Corps Reserve from 2004 to 2012. He deployed to Iraq for eight months from 2007 to 2008, according to Marine Corps officials. He 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 of USA Today and Matthew L. Schehl of Marine Corps Times

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