An 18-year-old Memphis man accused of firing a rifle from a moving car and leading officers on a high-speed chase remains jailed on a $1,000,000 bond after waiving a bond hearing, according to court records. The case stems from a May 20 incident in Orange Mound when occupants of a maroon Chrysler allegedly opened fire near a group of pedestrians, sending bystanders scrambling for cover. Authorities say a 17-year-old passenger faces multiple attempted-murder counts, while two adults have been charged with aggravated assault and felony evading.
How police say it unfolded
Memphis police responded to a shooting call at Carnes Avenue and Josephine Street after an officer working a school crossing detail saw a rear-seat passenger fire what was described as an AR-style rifle at people crossing the intersection. Four people reportedly ducked behind a tree and a concrete barrier as the Chrysler passed, and the crossing-guard officer began a pursuit in his personal vehicle when the suspects drove off. Records state the right-rear passenger fired twice at the pursuing officer's vehicle. Those details are in an arrest affidavit, according to WREG.
Chase, crash and arrests
The chase continued into South Memphis and ended on the 2700 block of Burns Avenue, where two passengers bailed out and ran into a home. Officers later found Joshua Fifer and a juvenile hiding in the attic and took them into custody without incident. The remaining passenger, identified as 19-year-old Marterio Bush, moved into the driver's seat and kept going until the Chrysler crashed near the 1700 block of Airways Boulevard and Jonah Avenue. Bush was arrested at the scene. Action News 5 reported the pursuit, arrests and bond amounts.
Charges, bond and court status
Fifer and Bush are charged with aggravated assault and felony evading and are each being held on $1,000,000 bonds. Prosecutors said the juvenile has been charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder and four counts of reckless endangerment. In court, prosecutors told a judge they were prepared to present evidence that Fifer is a danger to the community and a flight risk. Fifer waived his right to a bond hearing and remains detained pending a preliminary hearing, court records show. For now, all three suspects remain presumed innocent as the case moves toward further proceedings, according to WREG.
What is next
The case will move forward through preliminary proceedings in Shelby County, where prosecutors will decide whether to bind the matters over for trial. Officials have not released an extensive public statement on next steps, and the defendants remain in custody pending further court action.
