MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police Department (MPD) made an arrest Thursday, April 27 after a prowler call escalated, ending with MPD firing shots at a suspect who allegedly rammed into an MPD squad car.
MPD said officers received a prowler call Thursday morning at 4:25 a.m., informing that two men were walking around the back parking lot at Southern Manor Apartments near Southern Ave. and Greer St., not far from the Highland Strip area.
According to court documents, 23-year-old Jalen Pierce was charged with aggravated assault, theft of property in the amount of $2,500 to $10,000, evading arrest, and falsifying an offense report.
Shots were fired at the scene by an MPD officer as Pierce fled the scene. Pierce suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm. MPD said one officer suffered minor injuries from a fall during the encounter.
MPD is still searching for a second suspect.
Latest updates about the incident
Officers arrived at Southern Manor Apartments in the 3200 block of Southern Ave. after receiving a prowler call at 4:25 a.m.
MPD was advised that two men were walking around the apartment parking lot looking into vehicles.
The affidavit said when officers arrived at the scene, they saw a black Infiniti SUV. When officers drove towards the SUV, Pierce, the driver, allegedly pulled the SUV forward, hitting the police squad car and another civilian vehicle.
After Pierce rammed into the police squad car, one officer got out of the police car, the affidavit said. Pierce then allegedly backed the SUV up in the officer's direction, and the officer then fired shots at the driver's side of the SUV.
Pierce then drove forward, fleeing the scene in the SUV.
MPD later responded to a shooting victim at Methodist University Hospital located at 1265 Union Ave.
There they found Pierce and his girlfriend, 20-yearold Kaliyiah Sanders. Pierce and Sanders allegedly told officers that Pierce was shot in the arm when someone attempted to rob them while they were sitting in Sanders' car while parked in front of a home located at 967 S. Willet St.
After investigating, officers discovered that Pierce was the driver of the Infiniti SUV at Southern Manor Apartments, and he was shot in the left arm by an MPD officer as he fled the scene, the affidavit said.
Officers then concluded that Sanders and Pierce falsely told officers that Pierce was shot during an attempted robbery, and, according to the affidavit, they were both arrested and charged with giving a false report.
The affidavit said Pierce allegedly called Sanders and asked her to pick him up. Sanders allegedly helped Pierce evade arrest.
MPD later located the black 2010 Infiniti FX35 SUV at 1722 Holman St. with bullet holes on the driver's side. The SUV was reported stolen, worth an estimated amount of $5,825.
Pierce's bond was set at $60,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned Friday April 28. He is also scheduled to appear in court on Monday, May 1 for a bail review hearing.
Sanders is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, May 1. Her bond has not been set.
MPD said anyone who has additional information about the second male suspect can call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.