The Memphis Police Department (MPD) has released the identity of a man allegedly responsible for a violent crime spree that left one dead and multiple injured.
Courdarion Craft, 20, was arrested by MPD officers in the 5300 Block of Haleville Road at 3:43 p.m. on Sunday after a brief foot pursuit.
Police were initially called to the 3700 Block of East Shelby Drive on Sunday at 10:04 a.m. regarding a carjacking where a blue Nissan Maxima was taken during the incident.
Through the course of MPD’s investigation, according to the department, it was determined that the suspect from the carjacking scene was possibly involved in the following four recent crime scenes:
- 3834 block of East Shelby Drive, one man found shot to death;
- 3539 Pilot Drive, shots fired but no reported injuries;
- 3575 Commerce Circle, two women shot (one critical, the other non-critical) and a child bitten by a dog.
The suspect at the time was described by MPD as a black man wearing all black clothing, a black ski mask, and purple shoes occupying a stolen white 2016 Dodge Charger that was taken during a carjacking at 2765 South Perkins Road.
Craft is charged with First Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Robbery, Carjacking, two counts of Aggravated Child Abuse, one misdemeanor count of Evading Arrest, and one felony count of Evading Arrest.
MPD says Craft committed the crime spree while he was out on a $100,000 bond for previous crimes of Criminal Attempt First-Degree Murder and Criminal Attempt Especially Aggravated Robbery.
“Through the collaborative efforts between our local and federal law enforcement partners, community members, and the media, the suspect was apprehended. My heart aches for the victim’s families and those affected by these senseless acts of violence,” MPD Chief CJ Davis said in a statement. “Through the hard work and swift action of Memphis Police Officers, additional incidents were undoubtedly prevented. Again, thanks to our local, state, and federal partners who assisted in investigating and locating this suspect. Apprehending violent individuals swiftly, like our officers did today is another example of our steadfast commitment to making Memphis safer.”
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Image “Courdarion Craft” by Memphis Police Department.