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Police Seek Tips After Shots Fired In Early Morning Pursuit

Police Seek Tips After Shots Fired In Early Morning Pursuit


By David Howell

Editor

 

WATER VALLEY – A bizarre, early morning police encounter with a speeding car Sunday on Main Street erupted with multiple shots fired at a pursuing Water Valley Police officer and a high speed car chase that ended in Lafayette County after the police cruiser was disabled.


Water Valley Police Chief Mike King reported his department had meticulously investigated every available lead in the case and is seeking input from the public in the ongoing investigation. 


The chase started on South Main Street around 2 a.m. after the officer met the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and turned around to initiate a traffic stop. King said the vehicle, possibly a silver Nissan Altima, continued north on Main Street at a high rate of speed and one of the occupants fired multiple shots at the officer in the vicinity of Blackmur Drive.


The Herald talked to one witness who was standing near Railroad Park with her friends and heard five or six shots as the cars sped past. She reported the shots sounded like a pistol, possibly a 9mm.


A second volley of shots were fired at the officer on Central Street, according to King. This time the pursuing officer, Justin Mayer, could see a rifle protruding from the vehicle’s window. 


“The occupant displayed the rifle and fired on the patrol car with the rifle,” King told the Herald. “While they were shooting or trying to shoot, they dropped the rifle,” King added.


The officer’s car was close behind the suspect’s vehicle and the officer ran over the rifle, identified as a SKS assault rifle, likely puncturing the tire. The officer continued chase north on Central Street, across Hwy. 7, and continuing north on Dogwood Drive before entering Lafayette County before turning left on County Road 384. By this time the officer was traveling on the car’s rim and unable to safely pursue the suspects.


King said his department has talked to one witness who reported it appeared the car was a Silver Nissan Altima with three African American male occupants. The second, female witness also said the car appeared silver, possibly a Nissan Altima, Maxima or similar style car. King said the car likely sustained front end damage when it jumped the bypass. The department issued a BOLA (Be On The Lookout) to neighboring counties after the incident.


Officers retrieved the broken SKS rifle on Central Street after the chase and it was sent to the crime lab. Sunday morning officers also walked Main and Central Streets, Dogwood Drive and parts of County Road 384 looking for evidence. King said several 7.62x39mm rounds that fit the SKS were picked up on Central Street. Also discovered were a hoody and gloves that could have been discarded from the vehicle. The chief said no bullet holes were discovered on the police cruiser or on buildings in the vicinity of the shootings.


King also said there is little indication of a motive, noting the car was already traveling over 60 mph when his officer clocked the vehicle on Main Street. 


Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Water Valley Police department at 473-2933. Tipsters can also contact Yalobusha County Crimestoppers at 1-866-933-TIPS or 473-4935 or send an email to: TIPS @Yalobusha County.net. Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects.

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