Memphis Safe Task Force Overnight Update: 33 Arrests, 8 Firearms Seized, 1 Missing Child Recovered

Memphis, TN – Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Monday executed 33 criminal arrests, seized eight firearms, and recovered a missing juvenile.

MSTF officers responding to a call of shots fired at an apartment complex in the 3100 block of Madewell Avenue arrested a juvenile for possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and tampering with evidence. When MSTF officers engaged in a foot pursuit of the suspect, he allegedly threw the weapon over a fence. Officers recovered the firearm, which had been fitted with a machine gun conversion device.

MSTF also seized a sawed-off shotgun that had allegedly been in the possession of Christopher Moore, who was arrested over the weekend for aggravated kidnapping, domestic violence and evading arrest after he allegedly kidnapped a woman and held her against her will at gunpoint. Moore stated in an interview he had given the gun to his brother Richard Moore. MSTF officers contacted Richard Moore’s girlfriend, who turned over the firearm to them.

Xavier Tavares Stephens was arrested on two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance. Stephens consented to a search of his vehicle after MSTF conducted a traffic stop for an inoperable headlight in the 3200 block of South Perkins Road. MSTF officers seized two firearms and marijuana.

Halin Muhammad was arrested for possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and fleeing. MSTF officers attempted a traffic stop of Muhammad’s vehicle for speeding in the 4300 block of Lady Slipper Lane. When MSTF officers took him into custody after a brief vehicle pursuit, they observed a rifle in plain view on the front seat. Two firearms were seized.  

“Illegal firearm seizures are central to the Task Force’s strategy. Removing these weapons from circulation is a core part of our mission and represents a significant impact on community safety,” 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 4,392 arrests and seized 691 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. 

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.