BB gun prank turns to felony charges for teen

An 18-year-old in Memphis is now facing felony charges after an alleged attempted armed robbery that authorities say was a social media prank. Leotha Bush is accused of knocking on a home's door in the Highland Heights neighborhood, asking for a lighter, and then returning with what appeared to be a handgun.

He allegedly pointed the firearm at two men working on the property and demanded their belongings. However, the two individuals fought back, successfully disarmed Bush, and restrained him until law enforcement arrived on the scene. Upon his arrest, Bush reportedly told investigators that the gun was not real and the entire incident was intended as a prank.

Neighbors expressed skepticism about the prank motive, emphasizing the seriousness of faking an armed robbery for online engagement. They questioned the potential risks involved for social media views. Bush has been charged with two counts of felony attempted aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor count related to the BB gun.

He is currently being held on a $150,000 bond. Police noted that the victims had no way of knowing the weapon was a fake at the time of the incident. The case has been forwarded to Shelby County prosecutors, with no court date yet set.