March 5, 2025- DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today the conviction of Lamottis Simms Jr., a 20-year-old from Memphis, for his involvement in a multi-jurisdictional crime spree that began in Horn Lake and resulted in a viral video of Simms jumping over high fences off I-55.
Simms pleaded guilty to Attempt to Take Motor Vehicle and Possession of Stolen Property ($25,000 or more), which resulted in a sentence to 25 years, with 13 years to serve.
Simms was one of two suspects involved in a 10-hour standoff in a Southaven warehouse, during which he and his co-defendant, Franshawn Brown, engaged in a dangerous pursuit with law enforcement. According to court records, although Simms was not the shooter, he played a significant role in the crimes committed during this series of events.
“Lamottis Simms Jr. can now practice his acrobat skills behind bars for the next decade plus, where he will have plenty of time to think about the reckless danger he brought to our community,” said DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton continued “His partner can join him after we are done with him.”
The incident, which began in the morning hours with a pursuit of a stolen vehicle, escalated when one of the suspects fired shots at pursuing officers, resulting in a standoff at the warehouse that ended without injury. Both Simms and Brown were arrested at the scene and later charged with several crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder on law enforcement and receiving stolen property.
“How did coming to DeSoto County to commit a crime work out for you? Not well,” Barton added. “The same goes for anyone else thinking they can come across state line and break the law. We don’t tolerate criminals in DeSoto County. We’ll put you away for a long time, and you’ll have plenty of time to think about it.”
This conviction is a testament to the diligent work of police officers of Horn Lake and Southaven to ensure individuals who commit violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.
This case was investigated by Detectives Martin Gill of Horn Lake and William Boliek of Southaven Police Departments and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Roshawrin Williams.
