Two individuals, identified as 18-year-old Malakii Cody and 20-year-old Joseph Stafford, are now in custody following a late-night carjacking incident on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Knoxville. According to the Knoxville Police Department, the event unfolded around 10:15 p.m. yesterday, where the suspects committed an armed carjacking against a 24-year-old man, taking his Honda Accord at gunpoint.
The police response was swift, with officers locating the stolen vehicle approximately ten minutes later near N. Broadway Street and Atlantic Avenue. A vehicle pursuit ensued when the suspects failed to stop. The chase concluded when the individuals abandoned the car in the 2500 block of Harvey Street and attempted to flee on foot.
Intense search efforts involving a K-9 officer and a UAV team member for drone support led to the rapid apprehension of Cody and Stafford in the 300 block of E. Burwell Avenue. As per the police official report, the seized carjacked vehicle, along with an AR-style pistol and a handgun equipped with a 50-round drum, were recovered following the suspects' detention. Facing serious charges, both Cody and Stafford have been charged with carjacking and felony evading arrest.
