MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Shelby County Grand Jury has indicted a man charged after another man was shot and his car stolen in southwest Memphis, according to court records.
Jaylen Simpson was arraigned Aug. 30 on charges of attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, and employing a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony, theft of a firearm, and evading arrest. He remains in the Shelby County Jail on $500,000 bond.
MPD officers said they responded to a shooting about 7:50 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2024, in the 3400 block of W Horn Lake Rd. near W Mitchell Rd. They found a man shot and he was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.
According to the police affidavit, the victim told investigators he was at his car, a 2017 Kia Cadenza, when he heard a shot and fell to the ground. He said a man stepped over him and got into his car then took off. Investigators said surveillance video showed the suspect getting into the Kia while carrying a backpack.
About an hour later, officers found the stolen Kia near Kimball and Pendleton. According to the affidavit, the driver refused to stop and sped away when officers tried to pull him over. A chase ensued, with officers and air support, until the driver stopped in the 2200 block of Lamar Ave. Investigators said at that point, the driver got out with a backpack and started running. He was taken into custody in the 2200 block of Arlington Rd.
The affidavit said officers identified the suspect as Simpson, and found a loaded pistol in the backpack, which they said matched the one in the video from the shooting scene. They said the gun had been stolen from a car on May 4th.
According to the affidavit, Simpson admitted to shooting the victim and taking the car.
