Memphis Task Force Subdues Three in Separate Beale Street Incidents

Bystander videos capture use of force by federal agents and National Guardsmen

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuffed wrist and a taser against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the use of force by law enforcement during the Beale Street incidents.Bystander videos capture the Memphis Task Force's use of force tactics on Beale Street, raising questions about appropriate response protocols.Memphis Today

The Memphis Safe Task Force was caught on camera taking at least three people to the ground in two separate incidents on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. In one incident, a man known as the 'South Memphis HypeMan' was tackled by National Guardsmen after allegedly snapping a belt toward women, while in another incident, two men were tased by federal agents during a physical altercation.

Why it matters

The incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining public safety in high-traffic entertainment districts, as well as the scrutiny that law enforcement tactics face from bystanders recording with smartphones. The use of force by the Task Force, which includes both local and federal agents, raises questions about appropriate response protocols.

The details

In the first incident, bystander video showed Chrishaun Akins, known as the 'South Memphis HypeMan', snapping a belt toward several women before being tackled by National Guardsmen. A witness said Akins was just 'playing around' and that no one was hurt. It's unclear if Akins was arrested. In the second incident, US Marshals observed Jarvis Austin and Reginal Harden engaged in a physical fight on Beale Street. Video shows the Marshals deploying tasers to subdue both men before arresting them. Austin was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

  • The incidents occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2026 along Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

The players

Chrishaun Akins

Also known as the 'South Memphis HypeMan', Akins was involved in an incident where he was tackled by National Guardsmen after allegedly snapping a belt toward women on Beale Street.

Jarvis Austin

One of two men involved in a physical altercation on Beale Street that was broken up by US Marshals, who tased both men. Austin was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Reginal Harden

The second man involved in the physical altercation on Beale Street that was broken up by US Marshals, who tased both men.

Memphis Safe Task Force

A law enforcement unit that includes both local and federal agents, responsible for the incidents on Beale Street.

US Marshals

Federal agents who observed and intervened in the physical altercation between Jarvis Austin and Reginal Harden on Beale Street.

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The takeaway

These incidents on Beale Street highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining public safety in high-traffic entertainment districts, as well as the need for clear protocols and transparency around the use of force by law enforcement, especially when it involves both local and federal agents.