A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper arrested a 22-year-old Memphis man on Thursday after a brief pursuit in east Memphis ended with a crash and the discovery of a handgun inside the car, authorities said.
Traffic stop turns into quick chase
According to investigators, the trooper was sitting at the intersection of New Horn Lake Road and East Shelby Drive when he saw a black Nissan Maxima make a left turn without using a signal. The trooper switched on his emergency lights to make a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly hit the gas instead, nearly clipping a blue Altima before turning onto Summerwood Avenue. The Maxima then struck a curb and crashed, and officers moved in to arrest the driver.
Inside the vehicle, troopers reported finding a black-and-tan handgun with an extended magazine wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console. Authorities identified the driver as 22-year-old Tayshun L. Thomas said he was hit with multiple charges, as reported by WREG.
Chase adds fuel to Memphis pursuit concerns
The incident lands in the middle of growing scrutiny over Tennessee Highway Patrol activity in Memphis, particularly a spike in trooper-initiated pursuits tied to the Memphis Safe Task Force. Reporting by Tennessee Lookout has highlighted dozens of THP chases and the risks they pose to drivers and nearby neighborhoods.
Charges and legal backdrop
Thomas faces charges of felony evading, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, reckless driving, failure to exercise due care, and driving without a license. Under Tennessee law, possessing or using a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony is treated as a separate crime that can bring enhanced, and often consecutive, prison time, according to Tennessee courts. No court date or bond had been set at the time of reporting, per WREG.
Troopers are continuing to investigate the crash and process the recovered evidence. Officials said additional charges or court filings are expected as the case moves through the system.
