Inmate Escapes from Van on I-40, Hit by a Vehicle
Inmate’s daring escape attempt leads to critical injury
An inmate, Elijah Jenkins, aged 27, in a gripping incident, managed to break out of a transport van on I-40. The incident, which took place on Thursday afternoon around 12:30 p.m., has left the man in critical condition. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports that Jenkins, undergoing carriage in a Shelby County Corrections Center van, broke out a window and attempted escape near the juncture of I-40 and Danny Thomas Boulevard.
Deputies investigating the area of the crash on I-40. Image courtesy of local authority.
Found in critical condition
After approximately 20 minutes of fleeing from the transport van, Jenkins was discovered on the roadway. According to the deputies, an unidentified driver had hit him and left the scene before their arrival. Jenkins was immediately rushed to the hospital owing to his critical condition.
Sentenced for Aggravated Robbery
For his criminal record, Jenkins was not unfamiliar to the law enforcement. He had been sentenced to three years in prison for an attempted aggravated robbery in February 2014. The inquiry into the daring escape and subsequent hit-and-run is ongoing as the related authorities surge efforts to identify the driver who hit Jenkins.
Hit and Run Investigation
Law enforcement is keen on scrutinizing the evidence and piecing together the defining moments of this striking incident. The driver who hit Jenkins and fled the scene is current at large, and deputies are actively searching for this person. Witnesses of the incident or individuals with any relevant information are strongly encouraged to come forward to assist the progressing investigation.
Further News
As reported on other news, a manโs body was found inside a parked car in the woods, an incident that authorities are investigating. In a separate case, a woman is under police custody after pretending to be a teen boyโs mother and abducting him from a youth center. Security footage caught a man being injured during a gas station shooting, and an investigation is currently underway. Get updated with our latest news here.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
