Media

Fast Thinking Sheriff’s Deputy Catches Robbery Suspect Wanted For Crimes Committed Two Decades Ago

Release Date: August 26, 2004

Quick research by a Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy has led to the arrest of an Oregon man wanted by the Memphis Police Department since 1982.

“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Division is responsible for finding thousands of people wanted for crimes. We have, and continue to be, very aggressive in our efforts to bring these fugitives into custody. The dedication shown by our Deputy clearly shows that every outstanding case is important,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Fugitive Division Deputy Natalie Hillman received a tip that Ralph Phipps, 60, of Aloha, Oregon, might be connected to the armed robberies of five businesses in Memphis during March and April of 1982. The businesses included two drug stores, a grocery store, a book store and a pizza restaurant. Phipps had been arrested for the crimes and was out of jail on bond. However, he failed to show up for his court hearing 22 years ago.

Within minutes of receiving the anonymous tip this week, Deputy Hillman contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. While researching the case, Deputy Hillman found that Phipps might be using an alias name of “Tim Andis.”

The Sheriff’s Office in Oregon took Deputy Hillman’s information, verified that a, “Tim Andis,” was in their community, and arrested him within a matter of hours. After taking his fingerprints investigators verified Andis is actually Ralph Phipps.

Ralph Phipps

Authorities in Oregon say Phipps will be returned to Memphis soon to answer for the robberies.