Memphis, TN - Amos Patton, 42, of Cordova, TN, was charged today in a criminal complaint
with one count of assault within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and
one count of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence,
announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis
Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, A. Todd McCall; Naval Criminal Investigative
Service Special Agent Michael C. Cote; and Millington Police Chief Rita Stanback.
According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, on Oct. 24, 2013 Patton was directed by
his commanders to come to the Tennessee Army National Guard Recruiting Center, located at
5650 Attu, Millington, TN. During this meeting, Patton was notified that he was being relieved
of duty, recommended for reduction in rank, and recommended for separation from the active
guard reserve because of misconduct.
Following the meeting, Patton was directed to return government equipment believed to be in his
government vehicle. When he returned from the car, Patton had in his possession a “fanny pack."
When he attempted to access the pack, one of the Tennessee Army National Guardsmen yelled
“Gun."
At that point, a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) attempted to subdue Patton. Patton was
able to fire his weapon, and rounds struck three Tennessee Army National Guard personnel in
the room. Patton ran from the building, followed by the senior NCO, who caught Patton,
subdued him, and held him until the Millington Police Department arrived and took Patton into
custody. The handgun was recovered at the scene of the shooting.
If convicted, Patton could receive up to 20 years for the assault charge and could receive a
minimum of 10 years for the firearms charge. There is no parole in the federal system. This case
is being investigated by the FBI and the NCIS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Godwin is
representing the government. #
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the
defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
