Suspect arrested in Memphis for Southaven kidnapping identified

Southaven police are reporting that a suspect in a possible kidnapping was arrested in Memphis on Thursday, Feb. 15.  On Monday, Feb. 19, officials identified the suspect as Elmer Smith, age 37. Smith has a Tuesday, Feb. 20 court appearance in Shelby County. Charges include kidnapping, domestic violence, evading arrest, evading arrest in an automobile, disregarding a red light, driving while license suspended, reckless driving, and reckless endangerment.

Police information indicates officers received a call about an incident at a hotel on Sleepy Hollow Drive in Southaven about 12:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon, Feb. 15.

Officers learned on arrival that a person had been forcibly removed from the hotel and forced into a vehicle. The victim and suspect were believed to have known each other.  

A description of the suspect’s vehicle was put together and a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) was issued. Memphis police, some time later, were able to locate and arrest the suspect.  

The victim had minor injuries from an assault that took place at the hotel but refused treatment from EMS. 

Charges in the case are kidnapping and domestic violence-simple assault.