Two Memphis firefighters, Jasmyne Long and Joshua Hines, are no longer facing state criminal charges from a late-night traffic chase last fall. Shelby County court records show that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, prosecutors dismissed the felony drag racing and felony evading arrest counts tied to the November incident, leaving the pair without any pending state criminal cases after months of scrutiny and an internal review by their department.
How the Chase Unfolded
According to a Tennessee Highway Patrol report, a trooper spotted a Chevrolet Camaro and a Ford Mustang just after midnight on Nov. 5, 2025, allegedly racing along Getwell Road near Knight Arnold Road. When the trooper tried to pull them over, the vehicles reportedly pushed past 100 mph. A THP aviation unit then tracked the cars south across the state line into Southaven, Mississippi, where DeSoto County deputies made contact with the drivers.
Both drivers were hit with felony evading, felony drag racing, and reckless driving charges in Shelby County. DeSoto County authorities also filed separate DUI and possession counts, according to Action News 5.
Charges Dropped in Court
Court records from Shelby County show that prosecutors dropped the state charges against Long and Hines on Wednesday, as reported by LocalMemphis. The filings do not clarify whether the dismissals were entered with or without prejudice, and they do not say whether the state might try to refile the case.
Local reporting notes that, following their November arrests, both firefighters were released on $15,000 bond and placed on administrative leave by the Memphis Fire Department while an internal review moved forward.
Law and Local Policy
Tennessee law specifically defines drag racing and spells out penalties that can include vehicle forfeiture, with local charging decisions guided by state statute TCA 55-10-501. Proving that drivers intended to race or deliberately evade officers can become a legal tightrope, which is why prosecutors sometimes reduce or dismiss charges after they examine patrol and aviation video, witness accounts, and other records.
The Memphis Police Department's traffic-policy guidance outlines how state statutes and evidentiary standards factor into these decisions. That framework helps explain why this case did not move quickly toward trial in the Shelby County court. The department's policy documentation provides additional detail on the statute and day-to-day enforcement practices.
What Comes Next
With the state case dismissed, the immediate criminal risk for Long and Hines has eased, but their situation is not entirely resolved. The Memphis Fire Department's internal investigation and any potential discipline remain separate from what happened in court.
Officials have not released a further public explanation beyond what is reflected in court records. Any future criminal filings or departmental actions would appear in public records, and both coworkers and community members are waiting to see what the department decides to do next.
