MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two teens are facing charges after Memphis Police say an auto theft led to an officer-involved shooting.
This comes days after newly released data shows an increase in juvenile crime.
On Saturday, Memphis Police said two 15-year-olds are facing charges in connection to F riday’s officer-involved shooting .
MPD said a stolen car was spotted in the area of South Goodlett and Arrowhead.
The car reportedly sped from officers and stopped at a gas station on Winchester Road less than three miles away.
ORIGINAL STORY: Officer shoots 15-year-old auto theft suspect; 2 more in custody Police said the three teens ran from the vehicle, with one reportedly armed with a gun.
Officials said the situation escalated and an officer shot the armed 15-year-old.
MPD said the teen was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition.
James Anderson-Smith lives nearby and told WREG he was home when law enforcement rained down on the area.
“I was just leaving the house to get dinner for my kids and it made me nervous,” Anderson-Smith said.
The two other 15-year-olds were charged with theft of property and evading arrest.
They were not hurt, but they now join a growing list of teens charged in car theft incidents across the city of Memphis.
“We’ve arrested 53 18-year-olds,” said MPD Deputy Chief Joe Oakley. “Our second most arrested age would be 17, followed by 15 and then 16.”
‘Grieving Moms Matter’ uplifts mothers of crime victims Days before the shooting, Memphis Police presented data to city council members stressing that even though overall crime is down, juvenile crime continues to be a problem.
“We have arrested two 10-year-olds, three 12-year-olds, six 13-year-olds and so 18 is our high age number,” Oakley said.
MPD said they are working to reduce the juvenile crime rate.
However, Anderson-Smith said that getting kids involved in activities will help curb the disturbing trend.
“If the youth had something productive to do outside of just being at home, then they wouldn’t be out here stealing cars or robbing people,” Anderson-Smith.
Memphis Police say the 15-year-old who was shot is in custody at the hospital receiving treatment.
His charges are pending.
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