East Memphis Thief Caught After Stolen Vehicle Linked to $11,000 Gamestop Heist
Memphis, Tennessee โ An 18-year-old man is in a whole lot of trouble after police linked him to a bold heist that involved stealing a vehicle and then ransacking a Gamestop in East Memphis. Just last week, the robbery saw thieves walk away with a staggering 11 grand worth of electronics and gaming gear. Hereโs how it all went down.
The Stolen SUV
The saga started on November 16 when a victim reported that their shiny 2021 Infiniti QX80 had been stolen from an apartment complex on Park Avenue. Imagine the shock when they realized their vehicle had vanished into thin air!
Fast forward to the early hours of November 22 at around 3:45 a.m., when officers responded to an alarm at the Gamestop located at 5043 Park Avenue. Once there, they discovered total chaos: the sliding metal gate was battered, the front glass door was shattered, and the inside of the store was a mess. The store manager revealed that the thieves had made off with PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles, various video game accessories, and even some clothing. Altogether, it was a hefty loss that added up toโ you guessed itโ$11,000.
Video Evidence
The police began piecing the puzzle together by scouring video footage that showed two sedans and an Infiniti SUV parked in front of the store while the bandits broke in. It was a well-orchestrated plan, but their luck was about to run out.
Leading to a Clue
As if the situation couldn’t get any more interesting, some of the stolen items had GPS tracking devices. One of those devices led officers to a house on Dempster Avenue in South Memphis. When they arrived, they found the stolen Infiniti parked in an alley behind the residence, along with the stolen video game consoles!
Fingerprint Discovery
After taking possession of the Infiniti, the cops had it processed, and voilร ! They managed to lift fingerprints from the front passenger door window frame. Guess whose prints they turned out to be? None other than Zachary Ballard, the 18-year-old who was already on their radar.
The Arrest
On November 26, officers tracked down Ballard at a home in South Memphis and took him into custody. So, what’s next for this young man? He is now facing serious charges of theft of property valued between $10,000-$60,000. This isnโt just a slap on the wrist; itโs a big deal, and heโs scheduled to appear in court this Friday.
The Community Reacts
This incident has sparked conversations in the community, with many expressing their outrage and disappointment over such criminal activity in their neighborhood. Local residents are sharing their sentiments, concerned about both the safety of their property and the rising incidents of theft in the area.
All’s Well That Ends Well?
While this story ends with an arrest, it serves as a reminder for all of us to keep our valuables secure and stay vigilant. As law enforcement continues their work to keep the streets safe, letโs hope that justice is served and that neighborhoods can return to feeling secure.
Stay tuned for updates on this case and remember to keep an eye out for each other!
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.
