An 18-year-old is behind bars after what police describe as a violent home invasion in Memphis' Frayser neighborhood, where armed intruders allegedly pistol-whipped a man and walked off with cash, high-end phones, and even the shoes on the way out.
The break-in happened at a house on the 2500 block of Wellons Avenue, where suspects forced their way inside carrying a black Glock and an AR-style pistol, according to police. The robbers allegedly took roughly $5,000 in cash, four pairs of shoes, and two iPhones.
According to WREG, witnesses told officers a gray iPhone 15, estimated at about $600, and a purple iPhone 12, estimated at about $200, were snatched during the holdup. The victim later told investigators the phones had access to a Chime account holding roughly $10,000. Detectives opened an aggravated robbery investigation and are working to determine whether the account was accessed after the theft.
Teen Suspect Facing Robbery, Theft Charges
Police identified 18-year-old Tremayne Brooks as a suspect and arrested him in connection with the case. Jail records list charges of aggravated robbery and theft of property between $2,500 and $10,000, with no bond set and no court date yet on the books, according to Shelby County inmate lookup records. Brooks was booked into the Shelby County Jail pending further processing.
Victim Says He Was Pistol-Whipped, Threatened
The victim told officers "the unknown male hit him on the side of his head with the weapon and threatened to kill him," according to WREG. Investigators said the victim later picked Brooks out of a photo lineup as one of the people involved in the break-in.
What To Do If Your Phone Is Stolen
Beyond the physical violence, the case is a reminder that a stolen phone can be an open door to your financial life. If your device goes missing, contact your bank immediately, change passwords, and log out of banking and payment apps remotely if you can. Turn on or update two-factor authentication for financial accounts, file a police report, and keep that report number handy when disputing any suspicious charges with your bank or insurer.
Memphis Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the department's tip line or CrimeStoppers. This story will be updated if officials release additional details or new court records.
