On a busy Tuesday for law enforcement, the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) reported making 67 criminal arrests and recovering 10 illegal firearms, marking a significant stride in their ongoing efforts to curb violent crime in Memphis. Among those arrested was Montavius Wells, a 28-year-old identified as a Vice Lords gang member, on charges of first-degree murder in relation to the Christmas Day shooting of Cadarious Williams. Wells was apprehended on the 3700 block of Douglas Avenue, as per a release from the US Marshals Service website.
A search warrant also led the MSTF to the arrest of a juvenile in the 800 block of Pawnee Avenue. This individual was wanted for their alleged involvement in the Dec. 19 homicide of Sherman Berry at 850 West Raines Rd. The task force's comprehensive approach to public safety also led to the capture of 60-year-old Tommy McShane on Alaska Street for the September 4, 2025, murder of Sean Lambert Sr., as mentioned in the press release.
The Memphis Safe Task Force, initiated in September 2025, pairs various branches of law enforcement to form a unified front against violence in the city. As of the latest report, the initiative has culminated in 4,908 arrests and the seizure of 798 illegal firearms, alongside significant amounts of narcotics. A testament to their dedication, these figures underscore the MSTF's relentless pursuit of justice and safer community streets.
"This operation reflects the Memphis Safe Task Force’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety." The collective work by federal, state, and local agencies, not excluding the Tennessee National Guard, reveals an ongoing commitment to the restoration of law and order. In instances where citizens possess information about wanted fugitives, they are urged to submit tips via the USMS Tips app, ensuring a collaborative process in combating crime, as noted in the same press release.
