21-year-old John Gray was charged with theft of property, burglary, evading arrest in an automobile, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and no driver’s license after he was spotted in a vehicle that was reported stolen on July 27th.
On August 14th, Austin Peay Station officers spotted a grey Ford Escape with identical plates to a vehicle that was reported stolen July 27th. The theft in July was reported at Goodwill located 4210 Summer Street in Memphis by Jerry Wages. The officers were on a routine patrol when they spotted the vehicle in front of Papa John’s located at 3275 Austin Peay. The officers ran the registration and verified the vehicle was indeed stolen. The officers prepared their emergency equipment and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop and attempted to turn westbound on James from Warford.
Gray lost control of the vehicle and ran into a telephone pole. Gray proceeded to exit the vehicle and began to flee the scene on foot. Aviation and K-9 units were requested. They found Gray hiding in a vacant building located at 3007 James. Gray was bitten in the left ankle by the K-9 and taken into custody. An NCIC search revealed Gray had several outstanding warrants and no driver’s license. Gray was treated at Regional One for his injuries. He was then taken to the VCU office for further investigation. He was read his Miranda Rights and waived his right to counsel. Gray admitted to driving the vehicle and fleeing from the police, but he denied having any involvement in the theft of the vehicle.
John Gray was arrested and charged with burglary of a motor vehicle, intentionally evading arrest in an auto, theft of property, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and no driver’s license. His bond was set at $10,000.
