Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping
A Memphis man is behind bars after allegedly stalking and attempting to kidnap the mayor of Memphis in what police have described as a “premeditated and potentially violent plot.”
Trenton Abston, 25, was arrested earlier this week and charged with attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking, possession of a prohibited weapon, and other related offenses after he was found with a disturbing array of items in his vehicle. Among them: a Taser, rope, duct tape, gloves, zip ties, and other materials often associated with abduction or restraint.
According to an affidavit released by the Memphis Police Department, investigators had been monitoring Abston for several days after receiving a tip from city security staff that a suspicious individual had been repeatedly spotted near Mayor Paul Young’s official vehicle and residence. Abston had no known affiliation with the mayor, his administration, or any city office, leading police to treat the situation as a potential security threat.
Pattern of Stalking Emerges
Investigators say that Abston had been stalking Mayor Young’s movements for several days, if not longer, appearing at multiple public events where the mayor was scheduled to speak or appear. He reportedly loitered near entrances, followed security convoys, and once attempted to get close to the mayor’s car by posing as a city contractor.
Several members of the mayor’s security detail reported seeing the same vehicle — a dark-colored sedan with temporary tags — parked at various locations where the mayor appeared. When questioned, Abston allegedly gave inconsistent stories about his presence and fled before police could fully investigate.
Authorities later obtained surveillance footage confirming that Abston had been present at no fewer than five separate mayoral appearances in the previous two weeks. In some instances, he appeared to be filming the mayor and taking notes. A warrant was issued once a vehicle search turned up evidence suggesting plans for a kidnapping.
Disturbing Discovery During Arrest
On Tuesday, undercover officers located Abston’s vehicle parked behind a downtown parking structure not far from City Hall. When approached, Abston initially cooperated but became agitated when officers began searching the vehicle. Police say inside the car they found:
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A Taser-style stun gun
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Several pairs of latex and leather gloves
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A roll of duct tape
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Rope and zip ties
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A black hoodie and mask
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A notebook containing handwritten notes referencing “timing,” “routes,” and names of various city officials
Detectives described the items as part of a “kidnapping kit”, and noted that the notes appeared to include Mayor Young’s travel schedule and security patterns. One page reportedly listed possible locations for “interception.”
“This was not a spontaneous act or a personal grudge. It was carefully planned and extremely dangerous,” said MPD Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis. “We are fortunate that this individual was apprehended before he could carry out whatever intentions he had.”
No Known Motive Yet, Mental Health Evaluation Underway
Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive. Abston reportedly made vague comments about “government corruption” and “cleansing the system” during questioning but did not directly threaten Mayor Young or any specific city official.
A mental health evaluation is currently underway to determine if Abston is competent to stand trial. Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that Abston has no prior felony convictions, but had previously been reported for trespassing near city buildings and once sent a concerning message to a Shelby County commissioner’s office earlier this year.
So far, there is no indication that Abston was part of a broader extremist group, but the FBI has joined the investigation to determine whether he had online connections to extremist ideologies or may have communicated his plans in forums or social media platforms.
Mayor Young Responds: “This Was a Wake-Up Call”
Mayor Paul Young, who assumed office earlier this year and has since led efforts on public safety, economic investment, and youth engagement, issued a public statement shortly after the arrest:
“I am incredibly grateful to the Memphis Police Department, my security team, and all those who acted swiftly and professionally to neutralize this threat. This is a reminder that the job of public service comes with risk, but I remain committed to leading this city with courage, transparency, and hope.”
Young also emphasized the need for expanded resources around mental health services, government security protocols, and violence prevention strategies. “This was a wake-up call not just for me but for all of us in public service,” he said.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
Abston is currently being held without bond at the Shelby County Jail, where he is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for Friday. Prosecutors say they will seek to keep him detained as they pursue formal charges, including felony attempted kidnapping and stalking.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told reporters that his office is treating the case with the utmost seriousness: “We are dealing with a credible and imminent threat against an elected official. The preparation that went into this, and the potential for violence, cannot be understated.”
Community members, city employees, and fellow officials have expressed shock and concern over the incident, with several City Council members calling for a full review of security procedures around public officials.
“This could have ended very differently,” said Council Chair Martavius Jones. “We are lucky that no harm came to the mayor or anyone else, but we have to ask tough questions about how someone could get this close.”
The Memphis Police Department is urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior around city facilities or officials. Anyone with information about Abston’s activities or possible accomplices is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
