MSTF Executes 22 Arrests, Recovers 9 Guns Monday

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Monday arrested 22 people, including one man wanted for murder and several others for felony possession of firearms.

Of note:

Rashod Manuel, 20, of Bartlett, was arrested after MSTF forced entry at a residence in the 2100 block of Deer Ridge Drive to execute a warrant for first-degree murder issued Monday. Manuel was also charged with employing a firearm with intent to commit felony and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. Officers recovered a .45-caliber handgun.

Briana Boyland, 28, was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm during a traffic stop in the 8200 block of Poplar Pike in Germantown. Initially denying possessing marijuana, Boyland finally revealed the concealed narcotics and was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm with an expired carry permit. Boyland was charged with related weapons and possession charges. MSTF recovered a 9 mm handgun and 218.9 grams of marijuana. 

Willie Tunstill, 52, was arrested after MSTF obtained search warrants for the Tunstill residence and vehicles in the 1400 block of Preston Street. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute (marijuana) and possession of a stolen vehicle. Officers recovered one stolen vehicle, two firearms, and approximately 10 pounds of marijuana. Five additional vehicles suspected of being stolen were towed to the impound yard pending further investigation.

Steven Barnes, 35, was arrested after MSTF performed a vehicle stop in the 1800 block of North Germantown Parkway. After Barnes admitted to having a firearm, checks on the gun revealed it had been stolen in Evansville, Indiana. A further search revealed two pairs of brass knuckles, which are prohibited weapons. Barnes is a convicted felon from a prior possession of weapon case and is a known gang member with a gang out of Chicago. Barnes was charged with felony theft of a firearm under $2,500, possession of prohibited weapons, speeding, improper lane change, and open container. Officers seized a .38 Special handgun and two pairs of brass knuckles. 

MSTF arrested two juveniles who fled on foot when officers approached them in the 6300 block of Knight Arnold Road. After apprehension, two firearms were recovered in proximity to both individuals who were charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle (valued between $10,000 and $60,000) and evading arrest on foot. Officers recovered two 9 mm handguns.

The Memphis Safe Task Force, a multi-agency initiative, was organized in September 2025 to combat violent crime in Memphis. It is composed of federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, and focuses on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. 

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 11,488 arrests, including 114 for homicide, 1,275 for controlled substances, 1,169 for firearms violations, and 115 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 342 were juveniles and 1,235 were known gang members. The task force has seized 1,988 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 183 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.