Memphis Safe Task Force Arrests 34 Tuesday, Recovers 6 Guns

MEMPHIS - The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Tuesday executed 34 arrests, including one man who had an outstanding warrant for aggravated rape, and recovered six illegal firearms.

Of note:

Christopher Harris, 38, was arrested in the 3800 block of Democrat Road on an outstanding warrant for aggravated rape. Harris was with a woman who claimed he’d kidnapped her and who told MSTF officers that Harris was in the process of raping her before they arrived. A search warrant for the vehicle was prepared and charges for kidnapping and rape are pending. Harris was transported to the Memphis Police Department (MPD) for interview by the MPD sex crimes unit.

Jalen Pierce, 25, was arrested at the intersection of Roland Street and Fleetwood Avenue and charged with aggravated assault /theft of property. MSTF recovered an unknown amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a Glock 19 handgun outfitted with a Machine Gun Conversion Device, which is illegal throughout Tennessee.

Paul Guy, 52, was arrested at the intersection of West Byfield and Horn Lake Road on an outstanding warrant for possession of cocaine. Subsequent search warrants yielded more than 70 pounds of marijuana and $40,000 in cash.

Juan Leal-Nunez, 25, was arrested at the Greyhound bus station and charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he gave consent to MSTF to search his luggage which revealed approximately 43.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Leal-Nunez was booked at Shelby County jail.

Dontavious Simpson, 32, was arrested at an apartment complex in the 6500 block of Ballantrace Court, charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture/deliver narcotics. Officers recovered approximately 2 pounds of marijuana, approximately $1,150 in U.S. currency, a Glock 27 handgun and various firearms components (conversion kit and high-capacity magazines). Simpson was processed at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

On Monday night, MSTF conducted a traffic stop at Overton Crossing and Pamela Drive of a vehicle for a moving violation that was also suspected of containing narcotics. At the stop, Tennessee Highway Patrol officers interviewed the driver and secured the driver’s license. Upon return to the suspect’s vehicle, the trooper discovered him to be unresponsive. CPR was performed by personnel on scene and medics were requested. The suspect was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A K9 unit made a positive alert on the vehicle, and a subsequent vehicle search led to the discovery of 3 pounds of marijuana, which was seized.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 13,569 arrests, including 142 for homicide, 1,460 for controlled substances, 1,335 for firearms violations, and 126 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 433 were juveniles and 1,518 were known gang members. The task force has seized 2,283 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 196 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.