Notorious Crime Driver Arrested in Memphis: A Cautionary Tale of Stolen Vehicles and Illegal Weapons

In a joint law enforcement operation, authorities in Memphis, Tennessee, have apprehended a suspected "known crime driver" responsible for a string of carjackings and vehicle thefts. The arrest of the 19-year-old suspect, Devin Stamps, has shed light on the alarming rise of organized criminal activities involving stolen cars and illicit weapons in the region.

Uncovering a Dangerous Trend: The Arrest of a Prolific Car Thief

A Coordinated Effort to Apprehend a Suspected Ringleader

The arrest of Devin Stamps was the result of a collaborative effort between various law enforcement agencies, including the Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit (ATTF), the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), the Shelby County Sheriff's BRAT Unit, and the Bartlett Police Department's Crime Suppression Unit. These agencies worked together to track down and apprehend the suspect, who was believed to be a key player in a network of car thefts and carjackings.

Caught in the Act: The Suspect's Attempted Escape

According to the Memphis Police Department, officers were able to locate Stamps and two other individuals inside a stolen 2023 Infiniti Q50 in the Lamar Avenue and Winchester Road area. When the suspects noticed they were being followed, they abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene. Stamps, in particular, was observed running away while carrying a backpack and a handgun. During the pursuit, he discarded the backpack, which was later found to contain two handguns, including one equipped with a machine gun diversion switch, a vehicle programmer, and Stamps' identification.

The Extent of the Suspect's Criminal Activities

Investigations revealed that the vehicle programmer found in Stamps' possession had been used to steal eight vehicles in the Memphis area and one in Franklin, Tennessee. This discovery highlighted the suspect's involvement in a sophisticated network of car thefts, with the use of specialized equipment to bypass security systems and gain unauthorized access to vehicles.

A Troubling Criminal History

Devin Stamps, who is just 19 years old, has already amassed a lengthy criminal record, with a long list of felony charges in his first 14 months of adulthood. At the time of his arrest, he had active warrants for a variety of offenses, including auto theft, burglary to a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon, evading arrest, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of assault—acting in concert.

Significant Charges and Bail Amounts

Stamps has been charged with eight counts of auto theft, handgun theft, evading arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, five counts of possession of burglary tools, possession of key fob programming equipment, and felony vandalism. He is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on two bonds: a million bond for the present charges and a ,000 bond for the outstanding warrants. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

The Broader Implications of the Case

The arrest of Devin Stamps and the details of his alleged criminal activities have raised concerns about the growing prevalence of organized car theft and the associated use of illegal weapons in the Memphis area. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat these emerging threats to public safety.