4 days ago
19-year-old faces car theft charges in Memphis, Nashville
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 19-year-old accused of crimes in Memphis and Nashville is now being held in jail on a $500,000 bond after detectives say he stopped and waved at them while driving a stolen truck.
Bryun Watkins is facing theft of property $60,000-$250,000 and vandalism $1,000-$2,500 charges after Memphis Police say he stole a RAM TRX truck last month.
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In court, prosecutors say even though the incident was non-violent, Watkins' extensive juvenile record and continued threat to public safety warranted a high bond amount.
According to the Shelby County District Attorney's Office, Watkins also has a pending charge in Nashville relating to a separate car theft involving four other suspects.
On May 9, detectives say they saw a stolen white Ram TRX in the area of Hollywood Street and Staten Avenue. That is when the detectives say they parked across the street from the location and watched.
Shortly afterward, the driver of the stolen vehicle pulled out of the parking lot and parked directly in front of the detective, blocking them in.
The driver then waved at the detectives, whom they immediately recognized as Bryun Watkins. They say they also recognized the juvenile sitting in the front passenger seat. Two unknown individuals were also reported in the backseat.
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As the detectives called for backup, the driver allegedly sped off in the stolen vehicle that had a broken window on the passenger side and no tag.
Detectives say they later found the stolen vehicle unoccupied in the area of Lenow Place and Lenow Park. They say the vehicle's ECM has been reprogrammed, causing the owner's keys to no longer function.
Waktins was booked into jail on May 30. He is due back in court on June 20.
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