The Memphis Police Department has arrested a man for robbing an elderly woman at gunpoint in mid-May.
The man behind the crime has been identified as Randall Ballard. The 19-year-old is charged with aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
The affidavit states Ballard pointed a gun at an elderly lady and ordered her to “Give me the money.” He was only able to snatch $60 out of her hand. The suspect drove away in a red vehicle without tags.
Now, of course, this man has a history of crimes. Since May, he’s racked up several other charges including Robbery and another theft charge of more than $10,000. Ballard had court Wednesday morning.
More On The Story
As we previously reported, disturbing images show the moment a man holds an elderly woman at gunpoint and robs her of her belongings. This all unfolded back in May in Memphis and now police are looking for the suspect.
Police say they’ve been able to contact the victim who says she’s thankful to be alive, and that she was in fear for her life that day.
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The dramatic images show a black man wearing a blue hoodie with a Puma logo, white/tan sweats, and tan flip-flops pointing a gun in the woman’s face on May 13 at around 5 p.m. at the Orion Federal Credit Union ATM on Millbranch Road. MPD said the man was armed with a gray handgun and was last seen leaving the scene in a 2015 red Hyundai Elantra.
What Is the City Doing To Address This Big Issue?
To address this issue, the Memphis Police Department has implemented several measures to reduce the number of robberies in the city. These include increased police presence in high-crime areas, enhanced surveillance technology, improved communication between law enforcement and community members, and increased penalties for those convicted of robbery-related offenses. By taking these steps, the city is working hard to reduce its crime rate and make its streets safer for everyone.
Earlier this year, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland spoke about crime in the city. He previously penned an open letter sent to judges and judicial commissioners, voicing frustration for the recent surge in violent crime as well as the “revolving door” of repeat offenders.
“Dear Judges and Judicial Commissioners: Over the last year, I visited every shift of officers in the Memphis Police Department. One of their main frustrations is having to encounter and arrest the same individuals over and over. This frustration is shared by the public.
During the last several months, I have spoken and written many times about the revolving door that is too often our current criminal justice system.
With respect to people who steal cars or break into cars, MPD arrested over 2,300 people in 2022 for these two crimes, and virtually all of them are currently back in the community. There is very little punishment or rehabilitation for those who commit these crimes. Our judicial system is broken. Because of lack of consequences, there is little deterrent effect on future actions of criminals.”
He continued, “I ask you to have zero tolerance for gun crime. Also, I ask that you be transparent and open to the public.”
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