Juveniles in Memphis Go on Crime Spree After Stolen Car Incident
Memphis, Tenn. – It’s a tale that leaves us shaking our heads and hoping for better days ahead. Last Friday night, a group of juveniles ranging in age from a mere 12 to 14 years old decided to embark on a crime spree that involves car theft, robbery, and even a shooting. What were they thinking?
Stolen Wheels Lead to Crime Wave
It all began around 10:17 p.m. when these young offenders pilfered a black Kia Soul from the parking lot of East High School. Just minutes later, between 10:23 p.m. and midnight, this not-so-joyride turned into a serious crime wave, with multiple robberies occurring less than a mile apart. The chaos that night affected several victims, including an elderly man.
Targeting the Vulnerable
In a shocking incident, a 78-year-old man was held at gunpoint in the 2400 block of Madison Avenue. According to the victim, he was approached by robbers wearing ski masks who put a gun to his head and demanded his wallet. Can you imagine the fear he must have felt? Thankfully, the man escaped unharmed but lost his belongings.
But the night didn’t end there. Another robbery took place in the University of Memphis area. A victim reported that a black Kia Soul suddenly pulled in front of him, and out jumped three to four youngsters wielding a weapon. They threatened him and made off with cash, a phone, car key, and even a gold ring—a clear overreach, preying on someone who surely never saw it coming.
Escalating Violence
It gets worse. According to police reports, in a different incident at the intersection of Houston Street and Spottswood Avenue, a man was not only robbed but also assaulted. The assailants got out of the Kia, pistol-whipped him, and kicked him before they took his cash. It’s chilling to think how facing crime can turn violent in an instant.
Even a woman wasn’t safe at her own home on Minden Road. As she left her driveway, a male suspect approached her vehicle, attempted to pull on her car door, and fired shots toward her. Luckily, she drove away unharmed, but let’s just say her vehicle now bears the scars of that night, sporting what appears to be a bullet hole!
Police Response and Arrests
As the police investigated the shooting, the black Kia Soul was spotted again at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Cooper Street. Officers attempted to pull it over, but the driver, clearly harrying away from the reality of their actions, refused to stop. A chase ensued—talk about a movie-like scenario!
When the car finally came to a halt, five individuals bailed out in the 500 block of Prescott. Officers quickly took control of the situation and arrested several of the young suspects. A 16-year-old boy faced a list of charges—everything from aggravated assault to theft. Other charges leveled against other members of this juvenile crew included evading arrest and theft of over $2,500 worth of property. Can you believe the lengths they went to?
Looking Ahead
As Memphis works to grapple with this disturbing series of events, it’s clear that there are much larger fears at play. How do we better protect our community, especially the vulnerable? Authorities might ramp-up efforts to keep our streets safe, but it’ll take a community to come together for real change. Here’s hoping that the young individuals involved can find a better path forward for themselves and for the future of our great city.
