Media

Saturation Dec. 14, 2002

Release Date: December 14, 2002

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office conducted a crime suppression effort last night. Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell says the multi-agency crime saturation event involved almost 100 Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies and Memphis Police officers who concentrated their efforts in the Midtown area bounded by:

• East-East Parkway
• West-Bellevue
• North-Poplar Avenue
• South-South Parkway

 

Saturation teams fanned out to look for people involved in a variety of crimes including:

• Gang activity
• Drug dealing
• Prostitution
• Traffic violations
• Those wanted on outstanding warrants

 

The saturation in the Midtown area was conducted as a result of many crimes that have been committed there during the past several months. The Metro Gang Unit assisted in last night’s event. Officers say there has been increased gang activity throughout Midtown due to gang graffiti, signs and symbols being painted on structures in the neighborhood. More than 50 crimes in the Midtown have been linked to criminal gangs in the past year.

Overall, 12 people were arrested with 70 traffic citations and warnings written by deputies and police officers that conducted roadblocks in various areas of Midtown.

The following is a listing of the arrests and charges made during the saturation event:

• Felony arrests: 3 for Possession of Cocaine
• Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana (below 14 grams): 1
• Prostitution: 6
• Parole Violations: 2
• Traffic violations: 70

Sheriff Luttrell says the joint law enforcement efforts will be on going in targeted areas of Memphis and Shelby County. “We believe that the partnerships being formed among the various police agencies will no doubt help reduce crime in our community”, added Sheriff Luttrell.