MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A suspect fleeing from Tennessee troopers on foot was arrested in a Memphis neighborhood earlier in August, the latest in a wave of law enforcement activity aimed at curbing violent crime, FOX reported.
The arrest, which followed a long pursuit sparked by false temporary tags on a silver sedan, occurred near the Memphis airport on Aug. 7. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the suspect fled on foot after abandoning the vehicle, prompting an air and ground search supported by THP’s aviation unit.
Troopers searched yards with the permission of residents before taking the man into custody. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or the charges against him beyond the initial traffic violation.
The incident comes amid a broader effort to reduce violent crime in Memphis. The THP’s Bluff City Task Force, created to bolster local law enforcement, has increased its presence in Shelby County from just six troopers a decade ago to nearly 50 today, according to the report.
That effort is being supplemented by federal resources. In May, FBI Director Kash Patel named Memphis the “homicide capital of America” and pledged additional support. Since late July, Operation Viper, a joint initiative involving the FBI, THP, and other agencies, has resulted in 157 arrests and the seizure of more than 50 firearms.
THP Lt. Col. Jimmie Johnson said increased visibility and traffic enforcement are key to reducing crime.
“We know that if we look beyond the stop, that can prevent something more violent from happening,” he said.
Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church Broad said the community is noticing the difference, not just in crime reduction but in officer engagement.
“Visibility and consistency are the two most positive things,” Norman said. “We’ve seen troopers not only on the highways but stopping by community spaces to introduce themselves.”
According to Memphis Police Department data, homicides in the city are down about 11% compared to the same time last year. With continued coordination among local, state and federal agencies, law enforcement leaders hope those numbers keep improving.
“When we all work together,” said Sgt. Anthony Johnson, “the good guys win.”
