A Tuesday evening scooter ride in South Memphis turned terrifying when a man on an electric scooter was shot at and then hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Cherry and Boyce, according to Memphis police. The victim bolted into nearby Cherry Market for help and survived the attack. Witnesses told officers that multiple shots were fired before the vehicle slammed into the rider. A short time later, officers stopped a gray Acura and detained a 20-year-old as the investigation moved forward.
Arrest, Charges and Bond
According to WREG, Memphis police arrested 20-year-old Khristian Chaffin after pulling over a gray Acura and booked him on several serious charges, including criminal attempt first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Jail records cited by reporters list Chaffin's bond at $250,000 and show he is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026. Investigators told reporters the arrest followed witness statements and an interview in which a suspect admitted to chasing the victim.
What Investigators Say Happened
Detectives say the violence unfolded around 6:20 p.m. as the victim rode an electric scooter southbound on Cherry. The victim told officers a vehicle began chasing him, and that people inside fired three to four rounds near Cherry Market before the car hit him while he was still on the scooter. He managed to escape into the store to get help and was not reported to have life-threatening injuries. Investigators are canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance video and more witnesses who saw the chaos play out.
Court History and Ongoing Probe
Per WREG, court records show Chaffin pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on Feb. 22, 2025. Investigators say he was identified in a photo lineup as the person who fired a rifle in this case. They also described a second suspect as Chaffin's 15- or 16-year-old brother, who remains part of the active investigation. Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence ahead of Chaffin's upcoming appearance in criminal court.
Police Call for Tips
The Memphis Police Department says it is treating the case as an attempted homicide and is urging anyone with information, cell phone video, or other footage from the area to come forward. The department's public news feed lists recent enforcement actions and neighborhood investigations this month and offers multiple ways to share tips or non-emergency information. Those resources are available on the department's website (Memphis Police Department).
