Memphis has witnessed a recent escalation in auto theft and linked criminal activities, according to the Memphis Police Department. In a social media announcement from MPD, a case unfolded last Saturday when a 2017 Range Rover was reported stolen from the Wine Cellar at 7960 Winchester Road.
Fatefully, yesterday, the Range Rover surfaced in the vicinity of Dellwood Avenue and Madewell Street. The vehicle, its tag checked by the Austin Peay Task Force, was implicated in a series of business robberies the day prior. Despite an attempted traffic stop, the driver allegedly instigated a chase that concluded in a collision with two vehicles on South McLean, mere bystanders to a frantic escape. Police apprehended three individuals from the ill-fated Range Rover, recovering an assortment of weapons, some equipped with illicit Glock switches, and a vehicle programmer.
Charges have been pressed against the suspects: Cody Gray and Christopher Bridges, both 18, and an unnamed 17-year-old male. The allegations include theft of property valued between $10,000 and $60,000, criminal possession of a FOB programming device, and multiple weapons law violations. "Cody Gray, 18, was charged with Reckless Driving, Intentionally Evading Arrest in an Automobile – Risk of Injury to Third Parties, Failure to Exercise Due Care, Criminal Intent Possession of a FOB Programming Equipment Prohibited, Theft of Property $10,000-$60,000, and Prohibited Weapon (2X)," outlined the MPD post. Bridges and the juvenile's charges mirror Gray's, sans the vehicular offenses.
With several linked incidents highlighted by report numbers #2504030404ME, #2504030420ME, #2504030408ME, #2504030988ME, and #WC2509829, this case is far from a conclusion. While the suspects have been treated for injuries from the crash and released, the MPD continues investigating.
