Evergreen Reporter

A Memphis man, Jaquan Bridges, 22, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possession of a machinegun. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the sentence.

The incident leading to the conviction occurred on February 1, 2022. A Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Bridges driving near I-240 and Walnut Grove while looking at his cell phone. When the deputy activated emergency equipment to alert Bridges to put his phone down, Bridges fired gunshots at the deputy's vehicle and fled. The pursuit ended after Bridges hit three other vehicles and crashed into a concrete barrier. Deputies recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an attached machinegun conversion device and an extended magazine from Bridges' vehicle.

Bridges pled guilty on February 6, 2024, to possessing a machinegun. On September 17, 2024, Senior United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes sentenced him to 108 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“We have a serious gun violence problem in Memphis,” said Acting United States Attorney Fondren. “This conviction demonstrates our ongoing commitment to prosecuting violent offenders and bringing to justice those who violate federal firearms laws and endanger our community.”

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner commented on the case: “This conviction is a testament to our deputies’ hard work and dedication and to the legal team involved in this case. Bridges’ actions posed a significant threat to our deputy and the community at large.”

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.

Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Kuo for prosecuting the case as well as law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.