Carjacking in Memphis: A Lesson in Caution
Memphis, Tennessee has found itself in the spotlight recently for all the wrong reasons, as a recent carjacking incident has left many residents shaking their heads and questioning their safety. In a bizarre turn of events, a woman was approached by a man who lured her into a dangerous situation all under the guise of selling her a car advertised on Facebook. Yes, you read that right โ a simple car sale escalated into a frightening encounter that no one saw coming.
The Incident
On November 2, in the quiet neighborhood of Southeast Shelby County, the day started just like any other for a woman looking for her next vehicle. She was excited about the prospect of a new ride and was following up on a lead her boyfriend had found online. The plan was to meet the seller who claimed his car was a must-have. However, what unfolded instead was a heart-pounding nightmare.
According to reports from the Shelby County Sheriffโs Office, the victim arrived at the designated address on Saddleback Circle, ready for the meeting. But as she got out of her car, the unknown seller approached her with a chilling demand. He insisted she needed to drive him to another location to view the car he was supposedly selling.
The Attack
As the pair drove off, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. In a shocking twist, the man produced a kitchen knife and issued a terrifying ultimatum: โYou know what time it isโ and โIโll kill you.โ It was at this moment that the fight for her life began. In an attempt to escape the situation, the victim valiantly fought back, but the struggle only intensified.
During this fray, the suspect managed to push her out of the car while it was still in gear, resulting in the vehicle crashing into a nearby parked car. Thankfully, the victim only sustained minor injuries to her leg and hands, but the emotional scars from such a traumatic experience are not so easily erased.
Aftermath and Investigation
Once the dust settled, the dangerous man made his getaway with the victim’s rented vehicle. Yet, fortune would soon intervene. The victim was able to contact the authorities, and deputies jumped into action. They swiftly disabled the car at a nearby BP gas station in Hickory Hill and processed it for any evidence, including fingerprints. To get more eyes on the case, the police issued a “Be On The Look Out” notice for the suspect.
Identifying the Suspect
Within a couple of days, CrimeStoppers received a pivotal tip that identified the suspect as a 46-year-old man named Kent Hughes. On November 11, the victim attended a lineup where she bravely pointed Hughes out as the individual who had terrorized her. It turns out that Hughes was not a stranger to trouble; he had an active warrant for violating probation at the time of the incident.
A Cautionary Tale
As of November 12, Hughes sits behind bars on a hefty bond of $40,000, with a court appearance looming. This shocking incident serves as a potent reminder for everyone: while itโs great to score a deal online, safety should always come first. Meeting strangers for any transaction can be a risky endeavor, and this harrowing encounter underscores the importance of being cautious and aware.
So, dear readers, the next time you find yourself browsing Facebook Marketplace or any online platform for items, remember to think twice. Stay alert, meet in public places, and always trust your instincts. The thrill of a good deal isnโt worth putting your safety on the line!
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.
