Memphis Safe Task Force Wednesday’s Significant Arrests: 46 Arrests, 5 Illegal Guns Recovered

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Wednesday executed 46 criminal arrests and recovered nine illegal firearms.

Of note:

Stephan Thornton, 33, was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture/deliver/sell to wit: marijuana in the 5200 block of Honeywood Avenue. Thornton was observed conversing with the driver of a parked Toyota Camry in the driveway of this residence. As officers approached, the driver reversed his vehicle into another parked car, was ordered out, and was detained. Other individuals fled into the residence but were ordered out. Officers conducted a safety sweep of the residence and a K-9 Open-Air sniff around the three vehicles, leading to the recovery of more than three pounds of marijuana, approximately 100 pills of suspected Ecstasy, and two handguns.

Jaecob Rodgers, 29, was arrested at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 300 North Second Street for two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Three National Guardsmen were informed that a man was across the street behaving strangely. The Guardsmen investigated and saw a man scanning the area with a gun who then pointed the gun at them. They followed the man as he ran around the building and ordered him to drop the weapon. He complied and was taken into custody by Memphis Police Department officers. The recovered firearm was a 9 mm handgun.

Tayshun Thomas, 21, was arrested in the 4900 block of Leonard Road on a warrant for failure to appear. When Tennessee Highway Patrol attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Thomas failed to stop and crashed out. He then attempted to flee on foot but was arrested. One firearm was recovered from the vehicle. Thomas was also charged with fleeing/evading and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.    

Ongoing manhunt: The MSTF is asking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the capture of a man suspected of shooting a Memphis Police Department officer Feb. 27 during a traffic stop.

Danell Maxwell, 40, of Memphis, is wanted for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, per an arrest warrant issued Feb. 28. He was added to the Tennessee Most Wanted list the same day.

Maxwell is Black, stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.  He was last seen wearing dark clothing and an orange and green reflective vest. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 7,077 arrests, including 44 for homicide, 784 for controlled substances, 603 for firearms violations, and 93 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 199 have been juveniles. The task force has seized 1,155 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

Begun in September 2025, the MSTF 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 149 missing children.

This operation reflects the MSTF’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.