News Summary
In a chaotic encounter, Trae Payne of Memphis was charged after ramming police vehicles while attempting to evade arrest. The incident began when officers tracked him down at a gas station, leading to a high-speed chase and multiple collisions. Following reckless driving, Payne abandoned his vehicle but was apprehended before escaping. He now faces significant charges, including assault against responders and reckless endangerment. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in ensuring public safety amidst rising crime in Memphis.
Memphis Man Charged After Ramming Police Vehicles and Attempting to Evade Arrest
In a bizarre series of events that unfolded on a Wednesday afternoon, a resident of Memphis found himself in hot water after a reckless attempt to evade law enforcement. The man, identified as Trae Payne, has been slapped with multiple charges following a high-speed showdown that left officers scrambling.
The Chase Begins
The police had their eyes peeled for a suspect linked to numerous thefts and burglaries when they tracked down a vehicle connected to the suspectโs activities. The search led them to a busy gas station on Macon Road, and little did they know that things were about to take a dramatic turn.
When officers arrived and activated their lights and sirens, Payne responded in a way that was anything but compliant. He put his truck in reverse and rammed right into an MPD cruiser. As if that wasn’t enough, he then shifted the vehicle into drive, colliding with another occupied police vehicle. This reckless behavior left officers stunned and the surrounding motorists in shock.
A Quick Escape Turned Frenzied
Following his dangerous show of force, Payne made a dash for freedom, fleeing the chaotic scene in his truck. But the chase didnโt end there. As he sped away, his escape route became slated for obstacles. At an intersection on Warford Street and Mount Olive Road, Payne abandoned his vehicle, leaving it in drive. It rolled forward, prompting officers to spring into action to prevent any possible harm to bystanders. The police quickly maneuvered an MPD vehicle to intervene and stop Payneโs runaway truck.
Attempting to Evade Capture
The wild escapade didnโt stop with him abandoning his vehicle. In a desperate bid to get away, Payne attempted to hop into another black truck that was simply waiting at a traffic light. Luckily, officers were right on his tail, and within moments, they managed to apprehend him before he could make his escape.
The Charges Pile Up
As consequences come crashing down, Payne is facing a hefty list of charges. He is charged with two counts of assault against a first responder, evading arrest both in an automobile and on foot. But thatโs not allโhis reckless actions have landed him in further trouble, with additional charges including reckless endangerment, violating vehicle registration laws, failing to exercise due care, and resisting official detention.
Key Takeaways
This wild ride serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go in attempts to evade law enforcement. The police work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and events like this underline just how quickly things can escalate. Thankfully, no officers or bystanders were harmed during the incident.
The Memphis community is no stranger to crime, but itโs always a relief when law enforcement can handle such incidents with professionalism. The situation is a blatant reminder of the importance of safety for both officers and citizens alike.
As this story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the legal proceedings play out for Trae Payne. For now, residents in Memphis can breathe a little easier, knowing that police are out there doing their best to keep the peace and ensure that wild antics like this do not go unchecked.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Tyre Nichols Case
- Google Search: Tyre Nichols
- Newsweek: Tyre Nichols Trial Update
- Wikipedia: Tyre Nichols
- Local Memphis: Tyre Nichols Case Update
- Google News: Tyre Nichols Trial

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.


