Memphis, Tennessee, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Kipp Memphis Collegiate High School was placed on lockdown due to a car crash during a police chase, which collided with the school’s front steps. This precautionary measure was taken to safeguard students and staff while authorities investigate the incident. The area is facing increased safety concerns, particularly following previous accidents involving local schools, as well as ongoing issues related to school governance and student safety.
Memphis, Tennessee – Kipp Memphis Collegiate High School was placed on lockdown on Tuesday afternoon following a car crash that occurred during a police chase. The crash took place as the vehicle collided with the front steps of the school, prompting immediate action from school authorities to protect students and staff. This situation was confirmed by the school in a report to local media.
As of now, further details from authorities regarding the occupants of the vehicle involved in the incident have not been disclosed. The lockdown was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of everyone on the school premises.
This incident comes amid various other safety concerns affecting schools in the Memphis-Shelby County area. Another recent event involved a crash affecting three Memphis-Shelby County Schools: Bruce Elementary, Central High School, and Bellevue Middle School. This incident occurred when a vehicle struck a utility pole at the intersection of Lamar and Minna Place, resulting in power outages that led to early dismissal of students from the schools involved. Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) is currently working on restoring power but has not provided an estimated time for this to occur. MLGW has reported an average of 80 vehicle strikes on utility poles in Memphis each month, causing significant damage.
On a separate but related note, concerns around the transparency and accountability of the new Whitehaven STEM Center have been raised. This multimillion-dollar project, which blends public and private funding, has seen questions arise regarding legal agreements that were not completed prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In another incident, a man was arrested on drug charges and identified himself as a head football coach for a Memphis-Shelby County high school. Additionally, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced that its mass messaging software had to be taken offline due to a data breach. This breach raises concerns about the security of student information in the district.
In school-related news, a 15-year-old Memphis student was charged after making a social media threat towards a school during a police interrogation, illustrating ongoing challenges related to student safety in the region. Meanwhile, the community expressed mixed reactions to Mayor Lee Harrisโs veto of a resolution requiring all MSCS School Board members to run for election next year, showing a divide in public opinion about school governance.
Additionally, the situation is complicated by worries about potential school closures in Frayser, which could significantly disrupt students’ daily commutes. In a greater educational context, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission has announced that FAFSA applications are open for Tennessee students for the 2026-27 academic year. In more positive news, a senior at White Station High School has made history as the youngest participant in the 78th Session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights held in Geneva.
The University of Memphis is also making strides, having received over $922,000 in federal grants aimed at student support, as highlighted by Congressman Steve Cohen.
FAQ
- What triggered the lockdown at Kipp Memphis Collegiate High School?
The lockdown was triggered after a car crashed into the front steps of the school during a police chase. - What happened at the intersection of Lamar and Minna Place?
A vehicle struck a utility pole affecting Bruce Elementary, Central High School, and Bellevue Middle School, leading to power outages and early dismissals. - What concerns arose regarding the Whitehaven STEM Center?
Questions have arisen about legal agreements that were not finalized before the ribbon-cutting for the Whitehaven STEM Center. - What issues has Memphis-Shelby County Schools experienced recently?
MSCS announced that their mass messaging software was taken offline due to a data breach, and a 15-year-old student was charged after making a social media threat towards a school.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Traffic Stop Turns Violent in Memphis, Leads to Arrest
Teens Charged for Making Violent Threats on Social Media
Tragic Shooting Near Booker T. Washington High School
Memphis Introduces New Gun Safety Curriculum for Students
Memphis Schools Launch New Firearm Safety Curriculum
University of Memphis Unveils Renovated Physical Therapy Facility
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Faces Teacher Shortage Ahead of School Year
Memphis Schools Implement New Gun Safety Curriculum
Teacher Under Investigation for Assault at Ridgeway High School
National Guard Deployed in Memphis Amid Crime Concerns
Additional Resources
- Fox13 Memphis: Car Crashes into Memphis School During Police Chase
- Wikipedia: Police Chase
- Fox13 Memphis: Woman Injured After School Bus Crash in Whitehaven
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- Action News 5: School Bus Crash Leaves Three People Injured
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.
