MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 17-year-old and 18-year-old are facing charges after a stolen car repeatedly struck officers' cars, leading to a police chase that ended in Oakhaven on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The 17-year-old driver has been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer (3X), no driver’s license, theft of property $10,000-$60,000, unlawful possession of a weapon, evading arrest in a vehicle and evading arrest of foot.
Melanchi Williams, 18, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, evading arrest on foot, and theft of property $10,000-$60,000. The gun and evading arrest charges were sent to the Grand Jury on Aug. 1. He is out of jail on $50,000 bond, reduced from $75,000. according to court records.
Officers with the Memphis Police Department saw a stolen orange Dodge Charger just before 3:30 p.m., July 4, 2024, in the area of Clarke Road and Mount Moriah Road Extended before attempting to conduct a traffic stop a little ways south at Cottonwood Road and Emerald Street. There, officers said the driver of the stolen charger intentionally reversed, crashing into an MPD car, then pulled forward to hit another MPD car. The driver backed up into the first MPD car again before speeding off with police giving chase, investigators said.
The chase ended in the area of Tchulahoma Road and Mackham Avenue when the stolen car slid from the road into a wooded area and two suspects — the 17-year-old and Williams — ran away, but officers were able to detain them.
Police found an AR-style rifle and magazines inside the car. Investigators also said the driver — the 17-year-old — had a key fob for the Charger on him.
Both suspects were taken to Saint Francis Hospital in non-critical condition for clearance before being charged, investigators said.
