MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Memphis Police have arrested and charged two teenagers, including an armed 14-year-old, in connection with a string of carjackings and a high-speed chase over the weekend.
Authorities say the crime spree began around 7:45 p.m. Friday night. A woman was stopped at a red light at Park Avenue and Semmes Street when a 14-year-old male allegedly approached her vehicle with a gun and demanded she exit. Fortunately, she was able to escape and drive away unharmed.
Less than an hour later, at 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a robbery nearby on Chisca Avenue. A man reported that two armed teens robbed him of his keys and wallet and drove off in his 2009 Nissan Murano.
Later, at around 9:50 p.m., a third car theft was reported at the Exxon gas station on Summer Avenue and East Parkway North. The victim told police he briefly stepped away from his parked Mercedes-Benz when a stranger jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off. As the victim chased the car, two suspects in an SUV pulled in front of him, pointed a gun at him, and then fled the scene behind the stolen Mercedes.
By 1:20 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Highway Patrol spotted the stolen Nissan on Danny Thomas Boulevard. When troopers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, ignoring multiple traffic laws. The pursuit ended in a crash at North Holmes Street and North Johnson Circle.
Both suspects—identified as 18-year-old Deonta Jones and the previously seen 14-year-old—fled the crash scene but were caught after a short search.
Charges Filed:
Deonta Jones, 18, is charged with:
Aggravated robbery
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Theft of a motor vehicle
Evading arrest on foot
The 14-year-old, whose name has not been released due to age, is charged with:
Attempted carjacking
Carjacking
Aggravated robbery
Use of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony
Evading arrest on foot
The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the case and encourages anyone with additional information to come forward.
