Contrell Taper, a man implicated in a recent string of carjackings in Shelby County, is poised to face a grand jury following the outcome of his preliminary hearing. According to a social media post from the Shelby County District Attorney's Office, the court found probable cause yesterday to proceed with five counts against Taper, including carjacking, aggravated robbery, and other related charges.
The hearing, which spanned more than an hour, witnessed testimony from seven individuals, comprising both victims of the alleged offenses and law enforcement personnel, the weight of their accounts appears to have heavily influenced the court's decision to escalate the case. Taper, who was arrested following a foot chase culminating with a plunge into a lake has had his bond set at $250,000.
The charges against Taper are based on a series of carjackings that took place early last month, according to authorities. One incident involved the theft of a vehicle from an Uber driver while working, as part of a broader pattern of alleged criminal activity involving Taper. After his arrest and being read his Miranda rights, Taper admitted to participating in the incidents. Law enforcement responded to the cases as part of ongoing efforts to address an increase in vehicle thefts.
