Alert tipster helps police nab

man threatening mass terror

The suspect posted on Facebook that he intended to “go Zeke” on the city.

Luckily this time, one citizen, seeing the post, rapidly compiled screen shots of the threat and the suspect’s photo and sent a mobile phone tip to CrimeStoppers.  

Soon the suspect was identified by Homeland Security officers who quickly located and arrested Derrick White. 

The reference to going Zeke on the community harkened to a September, 2022 incident in which a 19-year-old man named Ezekiel (Zeke) Kelly was arrested in connection with multiple shootings. He was charged with an hours-long rampage through Memphis in which he randomly shot at people. Four died and others were wounded as Memphians were warned to shelter in place.

The incident shook the city.

White, who has a history of aggravated assault and aggravated burglary charges, was charged this time with the commission of an act of terrorism (his threats to carry out mayhem in the community).

Bail was set at $200,000.

Awarded to the citizen who tipped us at CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County: $1,000.

Save this date for next

CrimeStoppers golf tournament

The date: Monday, September 16, 2024. That’s when the CrimeStoppers Golf tournament returns to Windyke Country Club. 

This will be the seventh fundraising tournament, and Phelps Security is returning as the title sponsor of the event.

Various sponsorships are available. Teams of four cost $200 a piece, $800 total.

As many as 36 teams will compete for awards and prizes and join in support of the fight to stop and catch criminals.