A video showing a man with a gun inside the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center began circulating on social media on Wednesday. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office investigated and later arrested 23-year-old Dedrick Patterson in connection with the incident, according to Action News 5.
Security footage and help from the community led to the identification of Dedrick Patterson. He was arrested on the 3000 block of Bannockburn Road, where investigators also found more evidence. Patterson turned himself in at 201 Poplar and was charged with multiple offenses, including carrying weapons during judicial proceedings. Authorities are still investigating how he entered the courthouse with a weapon while in a wheelchair. Chief Deputy Buckner said, "We will employ every legal resource and enforcement measure necessary to deter this type of behavior," as reported by Local Memphis.
After a man was seen with a gun inside the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, officials raised concerns about the facility's security. State Senator London Lamar told WREG, “I mean, I think it’s just another example why we need to go ahead and build a new jail. If you go through that security system at the jail, it’s outdated, it’s old.” Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said, “How do we prevent this from happening again? Obviously, we know, this individual presented himself at the security checkpoint, inside of a wheelchair,” and added, “And how we scrutinize individuals in a wheelchair is going to be conversations that we’re going to have to have next week and the weeks to come.” The Shelby County Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing, and security will be increased as they work with the center’s security vendor.
