A bizarre, alleged theft operation in Memphis has ended with 13 people under arrest after authorities said they were caught unloading approximately $250,000 worth of stolen chicken from an 18-wheeler behind a motel.

The incident unfolded on September 15, 2026, at an Economy Inn along Lamar Avenue, where members of the Memphis Safe Task Force had gone to locate 33-year-old Javunte Johnson, who was wanted on an aggravated robbery warrant.

Instead, officers reportedly encountered Johnson and 12 other people unloading pallets of chicken from the tractor-trailer in the motel’s rear parking lot. Authorities said members of the group attempted to flee when law enforcement arrived, but all 13 were eventually taken into custody.

Investigators later determined that the chicken shipment was allegedly stolen and valued at around $250,000. Police also reported recovering three firearms, fentanyl and cocaine, along with approximately $110,000 worth of additional stolen merchandise during the investigation.

Johnson faces charges connected to the alleged theft as well as firearm allegations and the outstanding aggravated robbery warrant.

Authorities also identified several other suspects facing various allegations. Quantrivious Shavers was charged with offenses including possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and unlawful firearm possession, while Samuel Jackson faces an allegation of possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Other individuals were charged with offenses including theft and evading arrest.

The unusual discovery has attracted attention because what began as an operation to arrest one wanted individual quickly expanded into a much larger investigation involving an allegedly stolen commercial food shipment, firearms, drugs and multiple arrests.

The charges remain allegations, and those accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.