Terrifying Car Theft Attempt Shakes East Memphis Residents
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An ordinary Monday morning turned into a nightmare for a couple in East Memphis when their peaceful night was shattered by a shocking attempted car theft. Just after 1 a.m., the victims, who prefer to remain anonymous, found themselves at the center of a harrowing encounter that no one ever expects to face in their own driveway.
A Shocking Encounter
As the couple was getting ready for bed, they received an alert from their Ring doorbell camera. At first, they thought it was just another raccoon or stray cat, but when the video started rolling, they were met with something far more chilling. A masked male, dressed in a black hoodie, was seen brandishing a gun directly at the camera.
With a menacing tone, the suspect shouted, “Don’t come outside. I’ll kill you b***h.” And if that wasn’t enough, he further threatened them, saying, “If you come outside, you are going to die.” Clearly shaken, the woman said, “I wasn’t going outside anyway. No, I was staying in my house,” demonstrating the instinctive reaction to stay safe behind closed doors.
The Attempted Theft
The couple, living near the intersection of Poplar and White Station, watched helplessly as several individuals tried to break into their husband’s Kia parked in their driveway. The culprits managed to break two windows, but luckily, when the husband activated the car alarms, the noise frightened them, leading to their hasty retreat.
“It is scary. What I didn’t realize is it’s happening all around the area,” she remarked, reflecting on not only their ordeal but the broader issue of car thefts in their neighborhood.
Rising Crime Rates in the Neighborhood
According to local reports, crime has indeed been a growing concern in East Memphis. Recent data indicates that in the last two months, there have been nearly two dozen car thefts or break-ins reported in the neighborhood or nearby areas. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for action as residents grapple with feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Calls for Community Action
The victim expressed her frustration, stating that even the bright streetlights around her property have not served as a deterrent for these brazen acts of crime. “The other thing is these are kids. Memphis needs to have a curfew. This is out of control,” she emphasized, suggesting that measures need to be taken to restore a sense of security in the community.
Her concern is shared by many in the area, as it raises the question of whether local authorities are fully aware of the situation. “I don’t know if the mayor realizes it. Surely, he does. He’s pretty smart,” she said, hoping for more awareness and proactive steps from city leaders.
Next Steps
As for the couple, they are now left wondering what more they can do to keep themselves safe. “I just want to feel safe in my home,” she stated firmly, highlighting the distress that many residents may be feeling as crime rates rise.
The Memphis Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Surveillance footage showed a red vehicle parked outside the victims’ home at the time of the attempted theft. If anyone has further information about the incident, they are encouraged to reach out to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
In the wake of this unsettling event, the community’s call for action becomes increasingly clear. Residents in East Memphis are united in their desire for a safer environment and a return to peaceful nightly routines, free from fear of crime.
