Memphis Safe Task Force Significant Arrests Jan. 14: 51 Criminal Arrests, 13 Illegal Firearms Seized, 4 Missing Children Recovered

MEMPHIS, TN – Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force Jan. 14 executed 51 criminal arrests, seized 13 illicit firearms and recovered four missing children.

Of note: 

Larry D. Johnson, 36, arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of firearms after the MSTF DRT team and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a controlled delivery of a package suspected of containing narcotics. The SCCO K-9 alerted positive to the presence of narcotics on a package addressed for the 9000 block of Huntington Oak Drive in Cordova. After an SCCO undercover officer delivered the package to the target address, officers observed a vehicle pulling into the driveway of the target location, Johnson walking to the front door and picking up the package then driving away. Officers followed Johnson to a residence in the 9000 block of Snow Drift Lane in Cordova where he was taken into custody without incident. As a result of the controlled delivery and search warrant, officers seized 6 pounds of marijuana, two handguns, drug paraphernalia and $2,599.

Dontario Woody, 29, was arrested and charged with three counts of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of dangerous felony.  Officers responding to a report of shots fired at an apartment complex in the 300 block of North Highland Street noticed the front window of one apartment appeared to have been struck multiple times by gunfire. After officers knocked and announced their presence, but received no response, officers entered the apartment to check for signs of life and encountered Woody, who told them he lived there. After observing a black firearm in plain view, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and subsequently recovered three handguns and approximately 1.2 pounds of marijuana. A criminal history check revealed Woody to be a convicted felon. State search warrants executed at multiple units at the address led to the recovery of approximately 90 pounds of marijuana, six firearms and approximately $5,000.  

“The interagency cooperation on display during this operation is nothing short of inspirational,” said U.S. Marshals Service Chief Inspector Chad Hunt, Commander of the Memphis Safe Task Force. “Last night’s arrests really demonstrate the commitment of all of these officers to remove drugs, guns and violent offenders from Memphis neighborhoods and to restore law and order back to the city.”

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 5,244 arrests and seized 849 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. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 148 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.