Memphis Safe Task Force Thursday Significant Arrests: 38 Arrests, 6 Illegal Guns Recovered

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Thursday executed 38 criminal arrests and recovered six illegal firearms.

Of note:

Khaldoun Chawich, an illegal alien from Syria, was arrested for prohibited person in possession of a firearm after MSTF conducted a traffic stop during which Chawich presented his passport and told officers he had a firearm in the vehicle. Officers determined that Chawich is in the U.S. illegally and has a final order of removal. Officers seized the firearm. A federal complaint is pending.

Jacob Kilpatrick, a known gang member, was arrested for fleeing and eluding, and on a warrant for vandalism at Bellevue Parkway and Appling Farms Parkway. The MSTF attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a black Lexus LS300 bearing a fraudulent temporary tag. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, crossed into the median and struck a concrete light pole, disabling the vehicle. Kilpatrick was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. Officers recovered one firearm, one high-capacity extended magazine, marijuana, fentanyl, and two digital scales. No injuries were reported.

Ongoing manhunt: The MSTF is asking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the capture of a man suspected of shooting a Memphis Police Department officer Feb. 27 during a traffic stop.

Danell Maxwell, 40, of Memphis, is wanted for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, per an arrest warrant issued Feb. 28. He was added to the Tennessee Most Wanted list the same day.

Maxwell is Black, stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.  He was last seen wearing dark clothing and an orange and green reflective vest. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 7,342 arrests, including 44 for homicide, 812 for controlled substances, 6402 for firearms violations, and 94 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 206 were juveniles and 757 were known gang members. The task force has seized 1,208 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

Begun in September 2025, the MSTF 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 150 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.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.