Memphis police say a 28-year-old man they describe as a prolific repeat offender is back behind bars after a chase through a South Memphis neighborhood tied to a string of property crimes.
Officers arrested Maurice Abston on Tuesday in the 2400 block of West Hillview Drive while investigating a series of thefts that have hit the Alcy-Ball and Airways Station corridors, authorities said. Police called Abston an alleged "crime driver" they believe has been moving between thefts across the area. The arrest followed a short foot pursuit, and officers reported that Abston was taken into custody without serious injury. He was booked on multiple theft counts and an evading-arrest charge as detectives continue to review several open cases connected to his name.
Arrest and charges
According to FOX13 Memphis, Abston was booked on theft of property charges that include alleged losses of $10,000 and $2,500, along with a charge for evading arrest on foot. The outlet reports he also had a failure-to-appear warrant out of Collierville and an active aggravated-assault warrant in Shelby County. Police told FOX13 that the arrest came as officers were working a pattern of retail and vehicle thefts in the area.
Where this took place
Per the Memphis Police Department, the 2400 block of West Hillview falls inside the Airways Station patrol area, which covers the Alcy and Ball Road corridors near Airways Boulevard. That station and its surrounding wards have been a focus of property-crime enforcement because investigators say "crime drivers" often move quickly between retail thefts, auto thefts, and incidents targeting cargo. MPD mapping and ward boundaries show that repeat-offender enforcement is concentrated along major routes such as Airways Boulevard.
Open cases and legal exposure
FOX13 Memphis reports that Abston currently has open cases listed for auto theft, boxcar burglary, and criminal impersonation. Those files could result in additional charges once investigators finish compiling evidence. He also faces the aggravated-assault warrant out of Shelby County and the Collierville failure-to-appear warrant, which officers said helped link him to outstanding investigations. Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence and warrants before deciding whether to file any new counts.
What comes next
Abston was taken into custody and remains held while detectives and the Shelby County criminal courts sort through his outstanding warrants and pending cases. Court dates and bond information were not immediately available. Police asked anyone with information about related thefts in the Alcy-Ball corridors to contact Memphis Police or CrimeStoppers.
