East Memphis Thief Arrested Following $11,000 Gamestop Robbery Linked to Stolen Vehicle

East Memphis Thief Caught After Stolen Vehicle Linked to $11,000 Gamestop Heist

Memphis, Tennessee — An 18-year-old man is in a whole lot of trouble after police linked him to a bold heist that involved stealing a vehicle and then ransacking a Gamestop in East Memphis. Just last week, the robbery saw thieves walk away with a staggering 11 grand worth of electronics and gaming gear. Here’s how it all went down.

The Stolen SUV

The saga started on November 16 when a victim reported that their shiny 2021 Infiniti QX80 had been stolen from an apartment complex on Park Avenue. Imagine the shock when they realized their vehicle had vanished into thin air!

Fast forward to the early hours of November 22 at around 3:45 a.m., when officers responded to an alarm at the Gamestop located at 5043 Park Avenue. Once there, they discovered total chaos: the sliding metal gate was battered, the front glass door was shattered, and the inside of the store was a mess. The store manager revealed that the thieves had made off with PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles, various video game accessories, and even some clothing. Altogether, it was a hefty loss that added up to— you guessed it—$11,000.

Video Evidence

The police began piecing the puzzle together by scouring video footage that showed two sedans and an Infiniti SUV parked in front of the store while the bandits broke in. It was a well-orchestrated plan, but their luck was about to run out.

Leading to a Clue

As if the situation couldn’t get any more interesting, some of the stolen items had GPS tracking devices. One of those devices led officers to a house on Dempster Avenue in South Memphis. When they arrived, they found the stolen Infiniti parked in an alley behind the residence, along with the stolen video game consoles!

Fingerprint Discovery

After taking possession of the Infiniti, the cops had it processed, and voilà! They managed to lift fingerprints from the front passenger door window frame. Guess whose prints they turned out to be? None other than Zachary Ballard, the 18-year-old who was already on their radar.

The Arrest

On November 26, officers tracked down Ballard at a home in South Memphis and took him into custody. So, what’s next for this young man? He is now facing serious charges of theft of property valued between $10,000-$60,000. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a big deal, and he’s scheduled to appear in court this Friday.

The Community Reacts

This incident has sparked conversations in the community, with many expressing their outrage and disappointment over such criminal activity in their neighborhood. Local residents are sharing their sentiments, concerned about both the safety of their property and the rising incidents of theft in the area.

All’s Well That Ends Well?

While this story ends with an arrest, it serves as a reminder for all of us to keep our valuables secure and stay vigilant. As law enforcement continues their work to keep the streets safe, let’s hope that justice is served and that neighborhoods can return to feeling secure.

Stay tuned for updates on this case and remember to keep an eye out for each other!