Memphis officers searching for a fugitive at the Economy Inn found people unloading a refrigerated Koch Foods trailer and concluded the shipment had been stolen. Detectives seized 121 boxes of chicken across three vehicles, three handguns and narcotics during the Sept. 15 operation. Truck driver Robert Wilson told investigators he agreed to hand over the load to settle a drug debt; he and a dozen others were arrested and face theft, drug and weapons charges.
Memphis Police Stop Motel Fugitive Arrest, Uncover $110,000 Refrigerated Chicken Theft
Image Credit: Memphis Police Department.
Memphis police officers who went to a local motel seeking a man wanted on an aggravated robbery warrant instead discovered people unloading boxes from a refrigerated Koch Foods semi-trailer. Detectives later determined the shipment was stolen and valued the load at roughly $110,000.
What Happened
The Fugitive Unit arrived at the Economy Inn, 3896 Lamar Avenue, at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 15 after receiving information that 33-year-old Javunte Johnson was staying at the motel. Officers located and took Johnson into custody on an aggravated robbery warrant. While on the property, officers observed about a dozen people removing boxes from a parked refrigerated trailer and began a theft investigation.
Investigation, Seizures and Arrests
Detectives determined the merchandise had been stolen. The Memphis Safe Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted; the Marshals reported some people fled when officers arrived but were ultimately captured. Officers recovered three handguns and narcotics, including fentanyl and cocaine, at the scene.
According to court affidavits reviewed by FreightWaves, the truck driver, 56-year-old Robert Wilson, told investigators he had agreed to give the load to another person to settle a drug debt. He was found inside the truck and later named among the suspects arrested during the operation.
Shelby County inmate record listing Wilson's bond and scheduled court date. Date of birth redacted. Image credit: Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Recovered Cargo
Officers recovered chicken from three vehicles linked to the operation: 30 cases from a blue SUV described by Wilson, 50 boxes from a 2009 Nissan Armada driven by Marcellous McKinney, and 41 boxes from a 2009 Cadillac DTS linked to Robert Dishmon—121 boxes or cases in total. Memphis Police later estimated the shipment's value at about $110,000, though the U.S. Marshals Service initially reported a value of $250,000; FreightWaves subsequently reported MPD confirmed the $110,000 figure for the entire shipment.
Company Statement: Armada Freight said it owned the tractor and trailer, that Wilson had no authorization to distribute the load, and that the conduct violated company policy and delivery instructions. Armada said it recovered its equipment, terminated Wilson's contracting relationship, disposed of remaining cargo, filed a claim, and notified the shipment broker and insurer.
Charges And Legal Notes
Memphis police announced theft and weapon- and drug-related charges for several people arrested in the operation. Wilson faces theft of property in the $60,000 to $250,000 category and evading arrest in a vehicle; his Shelby County inmate record shows a $100,000 court-assessed bond and a next court date of Oct. 1, 2026. Other named suspects face various theft, drug, and weapons charges.
Under Tennessee Code Section 39-14-105, theft of property valued at between $60,000 and $250,000 is a Class B felony; theft of $250,000 or more is a Class A felony.
Note: The investigation is ongoing. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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