Early Sunday morning, March 22, a routine stop at the Valero on Lamar Avenue turned into a nightmare when a man allegedly forced his way into a driver's 2014 Ford F‑150, then took off with the owner still inside. According to an affidavit, the suspect, later identified as Sherrod Smith, shoved the driver into the passenger seat, wrestled away the victim's gun and fired shots before the victim bailed out of the moving truck and was grazed in the upper left leg. Police say Smith was later arrested and now faces a slate of serious charges, including carjacking and aggravated robbery.
What police say
According to Action News 5, officers were called around 5:08 a.m. to a report of a kidnapping and car robbery at the Lamar Avenue Valero. The affidavit reviewed by the station states that a man rushed the driver's door, climbed into the 2014 Ford F‑150 and began fighting with the victim before taking the victim's firearm. The outlet reports that shots were then fired at the victim, who escaped by jumping from the truck. He was treated for a graze wound to his upper left leg.
Broader enforcement context
Federal prosecutors and local law enforcement have increasingly focused on armed carjackings in the Mid‑South, with the U.S. Attorney's Office publicizing multi‑year federal sentences in recent Memphis cases. Local coverage has tracked those prosecutions and plea deals, highlighting officials' push to bring federal resources into violent crime cases. Recent examples of sentences and plea outcomes include a Memphis carjacker who got nearly 11 years after hitting a driver with a gun.
Charges and next steps
As Action News 5 reports, Smith was taken into custody and is charged with carjacking, aggravated robbery and theft of property. The case will proceed through the Shelby County court system, and prosecutors could later decide to seek federal charges depending on the evidence and how the firearm is determined to have been used. Investigators say the case remains active as they collect additional evidence and interview more witnesses.
Legal implications
Carjacking and aggravated robbery are felony offenses that can carry lengthy prison terms under Tennessee law, and federal statutes add mandatory penalties when a gun is used during violent crimes. Recent Memphis carjacking sentences, outlined in a U.S. Department of Justice press release, show how federal involvement can sharply increase potential punishment. Court filings and charging decisions in the coming days will determine whether this case stays in state court or is picked up by federal prosecutors.
