Three suspected carjackers reportedly ditched a stolen car in a South Memphis neighborhood and took off on foot Tuesday, leaving Memphis police with an abandoned vehicle and a fresh manhunt.
Officers were called to Gooch Road in the Boxtown neighborhood on a reported carjacking. The vehicle’s driver then led them to the area of Sanford and Berta, where three occupants jumped out and ran. The car was later recovered at the intersection of Holmes and Tulane, according to FOX13 Memphis. The Memphis Police Department has not released the suspects’ identities or said whether weapons were used.
Police say the three remain at large as detectives continue the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH (2274).
Part of a familiar pattern
That crash-and-abandon pattern, with stolen cars used as fast getaways and then ditched, has appeared in multiple MPD incident logs and local reporting this year and has stirred concern among neighborhood groups. Local coverage highlighted a recent carjacking spike earlier this winter.
What the law says
Under Tennessee law, carjacking is a Class B felony defined as taking a motor vehicle by use of a deadly weapon or by force or intimidation, as set out in Tenn. Code § 39-13-404, according to Justia. Prosecutors can pursue separate weapon charges if a firearm was involved, which would add mandatory penalties.
Anyone with tips or video is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH (2274) or the Memphis Police Department non-emergency line at 901-545-COPS. Police urge residents not to approach suspects. The department says it will follow up on credible leads and also accepts digital tips through its website, the Memphis Police Department.
