Memphis Community Relieved as 14-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim Rescued

News Summary

A 14-year-old boy was rescued from a terrifying kidnapping that occurred during a carjacking at a Memphis gas station. The boy’s family, along with local police, worked swiftly to ensure his safety after he was taken at gunpoint. Fortunately, he was found in good health after a brief medical evaluation. Authorities have arrested one suspect, while two others remain at large, highlighting the need for community vigilance.

Memphis Community Breathes a Sigh of Relief After 14-Year-Old Boy Rescued from Kidnapping

A Scary Incident in the Early Morning

In the early hours of February 2, 2025, the vibrant community of East Memphis was rocked by an alarming event. A 14-year-old boy found himself in a terrifying situation when he was kidnapped during a _carjacking_ at a Valero gas station located at 800 Highland. At around 4:30 a.m., the boy was accompanied by his 25-year-old nephew as they pulled into the gas station in their silver Honda, unaware of the dreadful events about to unfold.

Three individuals approached them, attempting to sell drugs. After their refusal, the situation turned hostile, leading the men to rob them at gunpoint. In the fray, the nephew was forcibly ejected from the vehicle near Greer and Carnes Street while the kidnappers drove off with the frightened 14-year-old still inside the car.

A Frantic Search and Heart-Wrenching Video Call

The boy’s guardians, who chose to remain unnamed, quickly became anxious and made multiple calls to the nephew’s cellphone, which the kidnappers still possessed. In an unnerving twist, someone answered the phone, and a video call revealed the horrifying scene: the boy was being held at gunpoint with an AR-style weapon pressed against his head. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $1,000 and even threatened to harm the boy if the money wasn’t provided.

As worry spread among the family, the local police were alerted. Knowing that time was of the essence, they set up surveillance around the guardian’s home while launching a frantic search for the kidnapped teen.

Police Response and the Boy’s Rescue

Fortunately, approximately three hours after the horrifying ordeal began, the police spotted the stolen vehicle on Tillman Street. A swift rescue operation ensued, bringing the boy to safety. Medical professionals conducted a precautionary evaluation at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and thankfully, he was reported to be in _non-critical condition_.

The emotional toll on the boy’s guardians was immense. Their anxiety was palpable throughout the ordeal, especially given the fact that they had been closely watching over him out of concern for his safety.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

In the aftermath of this grisly incident, authorities arrested a 20-year-old man named Cordarious Johnson. He now faces numerous charges, including especially aggravated kidnapping, carjacking, aggravated robbery, and assaulting a law enforcement officer. Johnson is currently being held on a _staggering $300,000 bond_, with a court appearance scheduled for the following Tuesday.

However, the investigation continues, as two additional suspects remain at large. The police are actively working to capture these suspects and ensure the safety of the community.

A Community Rallying Together

This harrowing incident has highlighted the importance of vigilance and open communication in the community. While the ordeal was nightmarish, the swift actions of law enforcement, alongside the quick thinking of the boy’s guardians, made the difference.

As Memphis moves forward from this frightful event, the strength and resilience of the community are shining through. Families in the area are reminded to stay alert and to look out for one another as they continue to support the brave 14-year-old as he begins to recover from this traumatic experience.

In the end, Memphis comes together, reaffirming that a strong community can help combat even the most troubling of incidents.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 13 Memphis
• Wikipedia: Kidnapping
• WREG News
• Google Search: Carjacking Memphis
• Elk Valley Times
• Google Scholar: Carjacking law enforcement
• Action News 5
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Carjacking
• Fox 13 Memphis – Ransom Incident
• Google News: Memphis abducted boy