MPD Investigation Leads to Apprehension of Three Juveniles Linked to 21 Auto Thefts

On July 21, 2026, the Memphis Police Department apprehended three juveniles in connection with a series of auto thefts that occurred primarily in the Raines Station area between July 12 and July 18, 2026. Those arrested include two 14-year-olds and one 17-year-old.

The juveniles have been charged with 21 counts of Theft of Property to wit: Motor Vehicle, two counts of Vandalism $1,000 or more, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Striking a Fixed Object, and No Driver’s License. The two 14-year-olds were previously charged in April 2026 with approximately 17 offenses related to an earlier investigation into a series of Hyundai and Kia thefts.

After Raines Station experienced an increase in Hyundai and Kia thefts and attempted thefts between July 12 and July 16, 2026, investigators reviewed surveillance footage and determined that the suspects’ appearance and method of operation were consistent with those involved in the earlier theft spree. The investigation led to the identification of the suspects. On July 21, Raines Station Task Force Officers located and apprehended the three juveniles. 

On July 23, the juveniles were released from custody pending the outcome of these court cases.

The investigation remains active as investigators continue working to determine whether the suspects are connected to additional vehicle thefts across Memphis. As investigators identify more stolen vehicles linked to the group, additional criminal charges may be filed.  

These arrests are another step toward holding repeat offenders accountable and reducing the property crimes that affect citizens across Memphis. The Memphis Police Department continues its efforts to combat auto theft and other property crimes as part of its ongoing commitment to creating a Stronger, Safer Memphis.

A rectangular graphic with a blue and yellow color scheme features the Memphis Police Department seal at the top beside a large headline that reads “ARRESTED.” Below, a section on the left displays the Crime Stoppers logo with the phone number 901‑528‑CASH and website “crimestopmem.org,” along with text encouraging anonymous tips and noting eligibility for a cash reward. On the right, text states “14-year-old Male” and “Theft of Property to wit: Motor Vehicle.” A list explains charges: theft of motor vehicles (21 counts), vandalism of $1,000 or more (2 counts), leaving the scene of an accident, striking a fixed object, and no driver’s license. The background has a distressed yellow texture, and the police department seal appears again in the bottom right corner.A rectangular graphic with a blue and yellow color scheme features the Memphis Police Department seal at the top beside a large headline that reads “ARRESTED.” Below, a section on the left displays the Crime Stoppers logo with the phone number 901‑528‑CASH and website “crimestopmem.org,” along with text encouraging anonymous tips and noting eligibility for a cash reward. On the right, text states “14-year-old Male” and “Theft of Property to wit: Motor Vehicle.” A list explains charges: theft of motor vehicles (21 counts), vandalism of $1,000 or more (2 counts), leaving the scene of an accident, striking a fixed object, and no driver’s license. The background has a distressed yellow texture, and the police department seal appears again in the bottom right corner.A rectangular graphic with a blue and yellow design features the Memphis Police Department seal at the top next to a large headline that reads “ARRESTED.” On the left side, there is a Crime Stoppers logo with the phone number “901‑528‑CASH,” the website “crimestopmem.org,” and text encouraging people to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously and noting eligibility for a cash reward. On the right side, the text reads “17-year-old Male” and “Theft of Property to wit: Motor Vehicle.” A list below states the charges: theft of motor vehicles (21 counts), vandalism of $1,000 or more (2 counts), leaving the scene of an accident, striking a fixed object, and no driver’s license. The background has a distressed yellow texture, and the police department seal appears again in the bottom right corner.

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