MPD’s ‘Operation Saturday Night Live’ leads to 22 arrests

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police officers had a busy weekend after conducting 42 traffic stops downtown, giving out 20 citations and arresting at least 22 people in one night.

The traffic stops were part of what Memphis Police are calling “Operation Saturday Night Live.” They say it’s part of their effort to cut down on crime, specifically in areas where they receive high call volumes.

This weekend, they focused their efforts near the intersection of BB King and Gayoso.

“I would like for people to be able to come enjoy themselves without wondering whether or not they’re going to be robbed, whether or not their car is going to still be there when they go back to their car, wondering whether or not somebody is going to put a gun on them because of road rage or reckless driving,” MPD Colonel Dennis McNeil said. “We want people to come downtown and enjoy the amenities that we have to offer.”

Charges issued that night included everything from disorderly conduct and driving on a suspended license to more serious crimes like DUIs and being in possession of stolen firearms.

However, there’s one man who was arrested and said he was charged with a crime he didn’t commit.

Earl Johnson was released on Sunday after spending 36 hours in jail. He told WREG that being in the wrong place led to him ending up in 201 Poplar.

“I was making a left turn on Second, and when I was turning the first two lanes had a lot of traffic. So I just got over to the right lane and gave it a little gas and the police stopped me,” Johnson said. “They walked up to my car with flashlights and everything.”

According to court documents, Johnson was charged with reckless driving for allegedly “swerving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed.”

He said that’s not true.

“Honestly with my situation, I feel like I should have been given a ticket and then we could have handled it in court,” Johnson said. “I don’t get in trouble. I’m 38 years old. I’ve got too much to lose to be getting in trouble.”

WREG checked Johnson’s record and with the exception of a few traffic tickets, Johnson has no history with the police.

He said he understands and respects what the MPD is trying to accomplish, but believes this incident was taken too far and his charges should be dropped.

“I’m in an 18-wheeler Monday through Friday. Everybody has something they like. I like to get in my old-school classic car and take a drive and ease my mind and take me away from the world,” Johnson said. “So not everybody is down there to act a fool.”

Johnson was released Sunday and is set to appear in court on August 14.

Meanwhile, the MPD said they plan to continue Operation Saturday Night Live until downtown crime is under control.

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