MSTF Arrests 44 Wednesday, Recovers 13 Guns

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Wednesday executed 44 arrests, including two men charged with attempted murder, and seized 13 firearms.

Kobe Benson, 18, and Josiah Blackwell, 19, were arrested in the 2900 block of Hickory Hill Road, charged with attempted murder, stemming from a shooting and robbery of an individual that took place on June 7. Benson is alleged to have robbed the victim, shooting him and taking his marijuana and phone, then shooting him again. 

MSTF officers attempted several times to knock and announce their presence with negative results. Individuals were seen moving inside and throughout the residence and several attempts to breach the front door were made with negative results.

For officer safety the decision was made to breach the residence. The front window was broken and blinds removed to get visual of the residence. After the window was breached, two individuals came to the main living area, and officers and agents entered the residence through the window. Benson and Blackwell were detained while MSTF members conducted a security sweep. Benson told investigators there was an AR style rifle in his bedroom. The residence was secured and a state search warrant was obtained. During the search, a fully loaded AR style rifle was found under Benson's bed with an additional loaded AR magazine, and approximately 16 grams of marijuana was found next to his bed. Blackwell is also a suspect in the same shooting that Benson is accused of. MSTF developed probable cause to arrest Blackwell for attempted murder.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 10,061 arrests, including 92 for homicide, 1,019 for controlled substances, 969 for firearms violations, and 105 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 293 were juveniles and 1,068 were known gang members. The task force has seized 1,721 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods. 

The Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency initiative established via a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Donald Trump on Sept. 15, 2025. Aimed at addressing violent street crime, the task force coordinates federal, state, and local law enforcement and includes mobilized members of the Tennessee National Guard. The MSTF is focused on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 154 missing children.

This operation reflects the MSTF’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.