High-Speed Chase After Carjacking in Midtown Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ Just when you think you’ve heard it all, something happens to remind you that life never stops throwing surprises our way. Early Friday morning, a seemingly normal trip to the gas station turned into an intense carjacking incident and chase that had quite a few folks talking.
The Incident Unfolds
It all started around 3 AM at an Exxon gas station on Summer Avenue and East Parkway. A woman was simply walking to her car when she was suddenly ambushed by three suspects. Imagine the fear she must have felt as they pointed a gun at her and demanded her keys. Itโs hard to wrap your head around such a serious and demanding situation on a regular Friday morning!
Within moments, the suspects hopped into her red Ford Escape and sped off, probably thinking theyโd made a clean getaway. But, as we’ve seen time and time again, crime doesnโt pay, especially in Memphis.
The Chase is On!
Police got wind of the situation pretty quickly. Thanks to their swift response, they spotted the stolen vehicle just shortly after it had been taken. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but of course, the suspects decided they werenโt going down without a fight. They took off, leading officers on a high-speed chase that had to be a nail-biter for everyone involved.
Eventually, the view of the chase ended on Windover Road near the intersection of Poplar and Highland. The suspects abandoned the car and made a run for it. However, luck wasnโt on their side, as police quickly apprehended them. Letโs just say the early morning air must have been tense as officers rounded up those involved!
The Arrests and Charges
Three individuals are now facing a slew of charges due to this wild escapade. The adults, identified as Myron Neal, 19, and Tapanga Gaston, 27, both have serious offenses on their hands including carjacking, aggravated robbery, and evading arrest. To make matters even more interesting, theyโre also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor because the third suspect is just a 16-year-old boy.
This young teen is also hit with a charge for possession of marijuana. Clearly, they were not thinking things through before jumping into such a risky situation! Talk about a recipe for disaster!
Current Status
As of now, Gaston has a bond set at a hefty $250,000, which makes you wonder how sheโs feeling about her choices at this moment. Neal, on the other hand, has no bond amount listed, suggesting that his situation is even more serious. Itโs safe to say that this trio will be facing quite a few consequences for their early morning actions.
Community Reaction
As word spreads throughout Memphis about this incident, itโs sure to raise questions about safety and the growing trend of carjackings. Locals hope this serves as a wake-up call about being aware of their surroundings, especially in places like gas stations, which can often be hotspots for crime.
Hereโs to hoping that this is a story that reminds everyone to stay vigilant and safe! Letโs keep our ears open for any updates as this case unfolds!
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.
