Memphis Safe Task Force Arrests 13 People Trying to Steal $250K Worth of Chicken from a Semi-Trailer

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Tuesday executed 49 criminal arrests, including one juvenile, and recovered three illegal firearms. 

Of note:

Javunte Johnson, 33, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm after MSTF, executing an arrest warrant for him for aggravated robbery, located Johnson, along with 12 other individuals, unloading stolen pallets of chicken, valued at $250,000, from an 18-wheeler in the back parking lot of a hotel in the 3800 block of Lamar Avenue. The suspects fled, but MSTF was able to arrest everyone. Quantrivious Shavers, 25, and Jessie Moore, 37, who were also part of the group, were charged with felon in possession. Officers recovered three handguns.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force, officers have made 12,796 arrests, including 131 for homicide, 1,367 for controlled substances, 1,279 for firearms violations, and 125 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 414 were juveniles and 1,415 were known gang members. The task force has seized 2,163 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods. 

The MSTF 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 189 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.