Three Strikes, In Custody: Violent Gang Member Captured by Memphis Safe Task Force

Memphis, Tennessee – The Memphis Safe Task Force announces the arrest of Francisco Lopez-Altamerana, 38, in Memphis, Tennessee. Lopez-Altamerana, a documented Los Sureños gang member, was taken into custody on October 22nd, near Jackson Avenue and charged with multiple state warrants, including: 

• Aggravated Domestic Assault (x2)
• Domestic Violence
• Felony Theft
• Failure to Appear (Domestic Violence)

Lopez-Altamerana is a twice-deported illegal alien who re-entered the United States unlawfully and currently has an active order of removal. Upon deportation, this will mark his third removal from the U.S.

 Earlier that day, prior to his arrest, Lopez-Altamerana, armed with a handgun, allegedly attempted to kidnap a female victim as she walked down the street. Scared for her safety and the safety of her children, she filed a police report with the Memphis Police Department.

Task Force members located Lopez-Altamerana as he exited a business on Jackson Avenue. A brief foot pursuit ensued during which he resisted arrest, but officers were able to safely detain him without further incident. More charges are likely pending. 

“Deputy U.S. Marshals and our law enforcement partners should not have to repeatedly risk their lives pursuing the same violent and sexual offenders. Every time a dangerous person is released or evades accountability, it’s not just a failure of policy, it’s a direct threat to the brave men and women tasked with removing them from the communities they continuously victimize.” — said Deputy Director Stephanie Creasy of the United States Marshals Service.