Memphis Safe Task Force Significant Arrests Jan. 15: 39 Criminal Arrests, 4 Illegal Firearms Seized

Memphis, TN – Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) Jan. 15 executed 39 criminal arrests and seized four illicit firearms and recovered four missing children.

Of note: 

Kevon Wilson, 21, was arrested on warrants for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, assault, aggravated robbery and employment of a firearm with intent to commit a felony stemming from a shooting incident Jan. 5. Memphis police responding to a shooting in the 3400 block of Point Pleasant Avenue encountered a juvenile victim with a gunshot wound to his left forearm. The juvenile told investigators he had declined to give suspects money when they tried to rob him and one male suspect then fired approximately four to five shots at him from a black handgun as he and his girlfriend ran away. He said he looked behind him and saw Wilson shoot twice with a rifle he was holding.

Kobe Hill, 18, was arrested on warrants for attempted second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and theft of property stemming from an incident June 17, 2025, in which Raines Station officers responded to a reported shooting at a house in the 4900 block of Shayne Lane. A woman told investigators she and her daughter were inside the residence when they heard approximately 10 gunshots. On July 17, 2025, officers recovered a Glock 20 Gen. 4 semi-auto 10 mm pistol and three cell phones after four males fled from a stolen 2016 Nissan Maxima. Ballistics confirmed the pistol matched the 10 mm casings recovered from the June 17 shooting. One recovered iPhone belonged to Hill. A search warrant on the phone revealed a video showing Hill in the backseat of a vehicle and another suspect in the front passenger seat holding firearms minutes before the shooting at the Shayne Lane house. 

Jesse Johnson, 26, was arrested at approximately 2 p.m. in the 3200 block of Broad Avenue on a warrant issued Jan. 14 out of Nevada County, Arkansas, for 60 counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing of matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child. He is being held in the Shelby Count Jail pending extradition back to Arkansas to face the charges against him.

“Every arrest is the product of teamwork, coordination, and a relentless commitment to protecting this community through collaboration,” said U.S. Marshals Service Chief Inspector Chad Hunt, Commander of the Memphis Safe Task Force.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 5,283 arrests and seized 853 illegal firearms, as well as substantial quantities of narcotics, and related contraband. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

Launched in September 2025, the Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency initiative to combat violent crime in Memphis. Composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, the task force is focused on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 148 missing children.

This operation reflects the Memphis Safe Task Force’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.