Man arrested for attempting to kidnap the mayor of Memphis while posing as a police officer.

A 25-year-old man from Tennessee, Trenton Abston, has been arrested on serious allegations related to an attempted kidnapping of Memphis Mayor Paul Young. The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night when Abston approached the mayor’s residence after scaling a wall surrounding the gated community.

According to the Memphis Police Department, Abston was found with a Taser during the encounter and had several items in his vehicle, including gloves, duct tape, and rope. Investigators brought charges against him for attempted kidnapping, stalking, and aggravated criminal trespass after reviewing security footage that confirmed his presence at Young’s home.

Abston appeared in court on Friday, where he did not enter a plea. Family members indicated that he feels remorseful for his alleged actions. His uncle, Theodore Martin, noted that Abston has aspirations to become a police officer and has expressed a deep concern for his city, suggesting that his possession of a Taser and other items was related to his work in the security industry.

Authorities detailed in an affidavit that Abston had taken significant actions toward committing a kidnapping, which purportedly included multiple visits to the mayor’s neighborhood throughout May and June to ensure he had the correct address. When questioned, Abston reportedly stated that he intended to confront Mayor Young regarding the crime rate in Memphis, implying a misguided approach to address his concerns.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, recent reports have indicated that overall crime rates in Memphis have declined, with murder rates remaining relatively stable in the first quarter of 2025. Nonetheless, in a public address earlier in May, FBI Director Kash Patel referred to Memphis as the “Homicide Capital of America,” underscoring ongoing concerns about public safety in the city.

The case remains under investigation as authorities assess the motives behind Abston’s actions, which have raised alarm concerning the safety of public officials and the broader implications for community-police relations in Memphis. The judicial process will determine the next steps regarding the charges against Abston, as the city continues grappling with its complex crime landscape.

Media News Source