MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Martavious Banks, the man shot by Memphis Police while running from officers in September of 2018, is now a free man.
Local 24 News was there for the emotional reunion between Banks and his family outside of 201 Poplar. He was released nearly a year since his arrest for running from police during a traffic stop. Banks says he just wants to be with his family and make up for lost time.
Banks was greeted by hugs, balloons, and smiles as he walked out of 201 Poplar hours after his attorney worked out a plea deal in court.
“Thank you everybody for doing what they did for me, I’m just really thankful to be still here out of 14 shots,” Banks said shortly after he was released.
Banks pleaded guilty to evading arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon. The other two misdemeanor charges he faced – prior to the shooting – were dropped.
“The majority of his cases were driving cases, and this is a problem that plague many young people in the city of Memphis is they don’t have a driver’s license,” said Banks’ attorney, Arthur Horne. “My client, my friend, and he’s become like a son to me being released today, we brought him home, and that’s the first step to Mr. Banks redeeming himself.”
Coincidentally, the same day Banks was released from jail, the former Memphis Police officer who shot him, Jemarcus Jeames, was booked on charges of assault, DUI, and public intoxication.
“They say God shows you a lot of signs, and I think this is just one of them. I said from day one he was a bad apple in the bunch, I also said that he needed some counseling,” said Janice Banks, Martavious Banks’ mother.
The focus now is getting Banks’ license reinstated so that he can begin his transition back into society. He says he is looking forward to spending time with his children.
“I’m just going to be with my family make up from lost times and do what I got to do and stay out the way,” Banks said.
Banks will have to serve two years probation. Horne says his team is shifting its focus to a civil suit against Memphis Police.