Memphis was struck by an unsettling wave of violence that led to a man's arrest after he allegedly threatened two local schools and was subsequently linked to a separate murder case. WREG reports that 21-year-old Charles Davis faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder [in the perpetration of a robbery], two counts of threats of mass violence on school property, harassment/domestic violence, and evading arrest.
On Thursday afternoon, authorities were called to John P Freeman Optional School following a tip-off by the Shelby County Board of Education indicating an employee had received threats. According to FOX13 Memphis, Davis allegedly threatened to "shoot up" John P Freeman and Oakshire Elementary, the schools where the victim’s children were enrolled. Despite their efforts, Davis was not located by police at either of the schools.
The situation escalated when officers, moving swiftly to secure the schools, were assisted by teams from the Traffic Division, Raines Station, and Special Operations to dismiss students safely. After an intensive search, Davis was spotted near Third Street and Horn Lake Road, wearing a cross-body bag that seemed to part ways with him after a short chase, as he ran from the police.
Eventually, authorities apprehended Davis in the 4000 block of Trevathan Circle, no longer toting the bag which was found nearby with a handgun inside. "The man threatened to shoot up the school where the employee's child attended and Oakshire Elementary," MPD said in a report obtained by Local Memphis. The discovery of the weapon added a charge of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony to his rap sheet.
The Memphis Police Department has linked Charles Davis to a homicide that occurred on May 16 near Hillridge Street and Winchester Road. This new connection adds to the serious charges he already faces. Davis will appear in court on Monday morning to address these allegations.
