A federal judge has sentenced Jaquan Bridges, a 22-year-old resident of Memphis, Tennessee, to nine years in federal prison for possession of a machinegun. This was announced by Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren.
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 and traveling slowly. When the deputy activated his emergency equipment to alert Bridges to put his phone down, Bridges rolled down his passenger-side window and fired gunshots at the deputy’s vehicle, striking it several times. Bridges then led deputies on a high-speed pursuit for 10 miles, during which he hit at least three other vehicles before crashing into a concrete barrier. Upon his arrest, deputies recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an attached machinegun conversion device (known as a “switch”) and an extended magazine.
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Bridges pled guilty to possessing a machinegun on February 6, 2024. 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. There is no parole in the federal system.
“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. Our office will continue to work with the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force and other law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in our community. The citizens of Memphis and Shelby County deserve to feel safe.”
“This conviction is a testament to our deputies’ hard work and dedication and to the legal team involved in this case,” said Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner. “Bridges’ actions posed a significant threat to our deputy and the community at large. We are grateful for our deputies’ swift response and the collaboration with prosecutors that led to this outcome. It sends a strong message that we will not tolerate violence against our law enforcement personnel, and those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our top priority remains our deputies’ and citizens’ safety. This case underscores the importance of continued support for law enforcement agencies as they work tirelessly to protect our communities. We will continue to strive for justice and ensure that our streets are safe for everyone.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Kuo, who prosecuted the case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated it.
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
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