CASE NUMBER: 2610026951ME

An investigation into illegal tire dumping along E. Levi Road has led to two arrests and uncovered two additional dumping sites containing thousands of used tires.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, MPD’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and the City of Memphis Environmental Enforcement reviewed camera footage from the 300 block of E. Levi Road. The footage showed two males and one female using a U-Haul box truck to dump approximately 150 tires at the location on September 28 and October 1, 2026. RTCC shared its findings with the Raines Station General Investigation Bureau (GIB), which launched an investigation.

On Thursday, October 22, RTCC alerted the Raines Station Task Force that the suspect U-Haul was in the area of Bellevue Boulevard and Lamar Avenue. Officers located the vehicle in the 1200 block of S. Bellevue Boulevard and detained the driver, Joshua Gholson, 26, and passenger, Danielle McGhee, 25, without incident.

During questioning by Raines Station GIB investigators, both suspects confessed to dumping tires along E. Levi Road. Investigators learned that Gholson was allegedly being paid by four local tire shops to dispose of their used tires.

That information led investigators to two additional dumping locations near Tully Street and Holmes Road, and Millbranch Road and Lochern Drive. Both locations contained thousands of used tires.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify the third suspect and determine the involvement of the businesses connected to the alleged illegal dumping operation.

ARRESTS AND CHARGES

• Danielle McGhee, 25: Three counts of Felony Aggravated Criminal Littering and three counts of Felony Vandalism ($2,500–$10,000).

• Joshua Gholson, 26: Five counts of Felony Aggravated Criminal Littering.

Illegal dumping impacts entire neighborhoods, creates environmental and public safety concerns, and places an unnecessary burden on our community. Under Mayor Paul Young and Chief Davis’s leadership, keeping Memphis clean and holding those who harm our neighborhoods accountable remain priorities.

MPD will continue working to identify and hold offenders accountable. Illegal dumping will not be tolerated, and those who participate in these activities should expect to face consequences.

See illegal dumping? Report it. Anyone with information about illegal dumping or those responsible is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.