Memphis, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Early Wednesday morning, a 19-year-old was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old at Poplar Place Apartments in Memphis. The victim was attacked while dropping off his girlfriend, and sustained a stab wound to the wrist. Despite being initially in non-critical condition, his health later worsened to critical. The police located the suspect shortly after the incident and are continuing their investigation into the motives behind this violent altercation.
Memphis – A 19-year-old named Richawn Brook has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old at an apartment complex early Wednesday morning. The incident took place just after midnight at the Poplar Place Apartments, located at 1655 Randolph Place.
Officers from the Memphis Police Department (MPD) were flagged down by the victim around 12:07 a.m.. Upon arrival, they found the 17-year-old had sustained a stab wound to his left wrist, which he was attempting to control by wrapping it in a jacket for pressure.
According to the victim’s account, he was dropping off his girlfriend when he was approached and attacked by the suspect. Although he did not know Brook personally, the victim recognized him as someone who had been seen in the apartments previously. Reports suggest that the suspect had a romantic interest in the victim’s girlfriend.
Prior to the stabbing, the victim was involved in a verbal altercation with another individual outside the apartments, after which the suspect approached and a physical fight ensued. Following the incident, witnesses reported observing the suspect fleeing the scene.
The victim was immediately transported to a hospital in non-critical condition. However, his condition later changed to critical as treatment continued. The Memphis Fire Department was present at the scene to provide assistance to the victim before his transport to the hospital.
Subsequently, officers from both the MPD and the Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a search for the suspect and located him at the intersection of Kirby Downs and Charlestown. During a pat-down of Brook, law enforcement officials recovered a broken blade from a kitchen knife.
This incident raises concerns about safety in urban residential areas and highlights the often unpredictable nature of interpersonal conflicts that can escalate to violence. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, including the motivations and interpersonal dynamics that led to this serious altercation.
Background Context
Aggravated assault is a significant concern within cities, involving intentional harm inflicted on another person. In Tennessee, such charges can lead to severe penalties, especially when weapons are used. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather additional information and testimonies from witnesses.
FAQs
What happened at the Poplar Place Apartments?
A 19-year-old named Richawn Brook was charged with aggravated assault after stabbing a 17-year-old at the Poplar Place Apartments located at 1655 Randolph Place early Wednesday morning.
What were the circumstances of the stabbing?
The victim sustained a stab wound to his left wrist and explained that he was attacked while dropping off his girlfriend. The suspect had a romantic interest in the victim’s girlfriend.
What was the victim’s condition after the incident?
The victim was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition, but his condition later changed to critical.
How did authorities find the suspect?
Officers from the MPD and the Tennessee Highway Patrol located the suspect at the intersection of Kirby Downs and Charlestown.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Location | Poplar Place Apartments, 1655 Randolph Place, Memphis |
| Suspect | Richawn Brook, 19 years old |
| Victim | 17-year-old male |
| Injury | Wound to left wrist |
| Time of Incident | Just after midnight |
| Investigation | Ongoing by MPD and Tennessee Highway Patrol |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Introduces New Gun Safety Curriculum for Students
Shelby County Commission Adjusts School Board Election Schedule
Declining Enrollment in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Student Injured in Stabbing Incident at Hamilton K-8 School
The Daily Memphian: A Community-Focused News Organization
Kennedy Brothers Charged in Memphis Shooting Incident
Tragic Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee Leaves Community in Shock
Eleven Injured in Stabbing at Walmart in Traverse City
In-N-Out Burger’s President Relocates to Tennessee
Community Concerns Over Pollution from TVA Project in Memphis
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Aggravated Assault
- Action News 5
- Google Search: Memphis apartment stabbing
- Citizen Tribune
- Google Scholar: Urban Violence Assault
- Local Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Eastern Progress
- Google News: Memphis stabbing incident
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.
