Memphis Safe Task Force Significant Arrests Over MLK Holiday Weekend: 129 Criminal Arrests, 26 Illegal Firearms Seized

Memphis, TN – Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force over the MLK holiday weekend executed 129 criminal arrests and seized 26 illicit firearms and recovered four missing children.

Of note: 

A 17-year-old was arrested Monday on a first-degree murder warrant in the 3400 block of Old Getwell Road stemming from a Christmas 2025 incident in the 800 block of East Alston Avenue in which the juvenile, along with two other individuals, entered a residence and shot the victim multiple times in the upper torso.

Dontayvis LaPaul Brown, 41, was arrested Sunday on warrants for criminal intent-first-degree murder, felon in possession of a handgun, and reckless endangerment stemming from an incident in 2020. Task force members observed Brown driving in the 3600 block of Pleasant Hollow Court and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Brown sped away. A short time later, officers located Brown’s vehicle at a business in the 6400 block of Shelby Drive. Brown was located in a locked restroom but complied with commands to open the door and was apprehended without further incident. 

Kenton Bates, 26, was arrested Sunday after officers observed him driving a vehicle with expired and incorrect plates and later jaywalking and conducted a Terry stop and safety pat down. Bates was in possession of 22.2 grams of marijuana, 1.2 grams of psilocybin, and two 9 mm handguns. Bates was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent and two counts of possession of a firearm in commission of a felony. 

Maurice Devonta Brown, 28, was one of four individuals subjected to a pedestrian check after they were observed loitering in the roadway in front of a motel in the 3800 block of American Way. Officers discovered Brown had a warrant and as they attempted to handcuff him, he attempted to run and was subsequently apprehended by additional task force members. Officers conducting a search of Brown’s person found in his jacket pocket a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen. He was arrested for his outstanding warrant of aggravated assault and possession of a stolen firearm. 

Marquise Lindsey, 29, was arrested for possession with intent, possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug crime and evading arrest. After being stopped for a traffic violation Saturday for improper tint and license plate cover, Lindsey fled in his vehicle and later on foot. He was apprehended in the 5400 block of Stone Arch Cove after a THP trooper tased him. Lindsey was found with approximately 1.5 pounds of marijuana on him and a .45-caliber handgun in his car. 

Michael D. Jones, 34, was arrested Saturday on a warrant for aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping from March 2025. Task force officers conducting a traffic stop of Jones’ car in the 1700 block of Lamar Avenue for expired tags and registration belonging to a different vehicle discovered Jones had active felony warrants for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery. During a search of Jones’ vehicle incident to his arrest, officers recovered 24 grams of marijuana and charged him with possession of a controlled substance. 

On Friday, officers arrested Ladarell Miller, 20, on a warrant for first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery and especially aggravated burglary stemming from the Dec. 29, 2025, home invasion on John Hill Road during which Corey Webb was shot and killed. Miller makes the fifth suspect arrested in that home invasion. Officers found Miller hiding in an attic at a residence in the 1300 block of Michigan Street and Tipton County detectives recovered two firearms at the location.

Richawn Brooks, 19, was arrested Friday on a warrant for statutory rape and auto theft. Brooks was charged with statutory rape of a 17-year-old in October 2025.  Task force members were notified Brooks was at an apartment complex in the 6200 block of Lake Arbor Drive. As officers made contact with Brooks and identified themselves as police officers, Brooks fled on foot but gave up after a brief chase and was taken into custody without incident.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 5,417 arrests and seized 879 illegal firearms, as well as substantial quantities of narcotics, and related contraband. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

Launched in September 2025, the Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency initiative to combat violent crime in Memphis. Composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, the task force is focused on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 148 missing children.

This operation reflects the Memphis Safe Task Force’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.