DUIs Top Chief’s Report Following Icy Weather
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Many of the roads across Yalobusha County were dangerous to drive on for days after the winter storm last week. City workers were able to scrape some of the ice off streets, speeding the thaw. Similar work was done on county roads and on state highways. – Photo by Emily Childs
WATER VALLEY – Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported minimal problems in the city during eight days of icy road conditions. The treacherous travel extended through Monday, a week after an estimated 2.5 inches of sleet fell in the city the preceding Monday, Jan. 15.
The chief praised people in of the community for stepping up and providing assistance during the ordeal.
“We had a lot of citizens helping citizens, which really helped out,” the chief explained. “We had local wrecker operators including George Crocker, Lee Crocker and Luke Tatum who provided assistance to stranded motorists, often not charging for their services.”
Mangrum also praised his officers.
“Our officers really stepped up, even parking and walking to some calls,” Mangrum said. “They assisted EMS with medical calls whenever possible and provided courtesy rides for citizens who needed to get to work or to pick up supplies.”
Mangrum reported officers made three DUI arrests on the icy roads including a hit and run accident on Dogwood Drive. Isaac Phillips of Water Valley was charged with DUI causing injury and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury.
The arrest came after Phillips allegedly side-swiped a stalled car on Jan. 15. Phillips was driving a side-by-side utility vehicle and a passenger traveling with him was injured in the collision.
“Several witness statements provided information to allow officers to identify the side-by-side and the occupants. During the investigation, officers determined that the driver was under the influence of an intoxicating beverage,” the chief reported.
Phillips was booked in the Yalobusha County Detention Center. The passenger in the side-by-side was transported to the emergency room in a private vehicle for minor injuries.
Officers arrested Eddie Kirk of Water Valley for DUI after observing him doing donuts in the roadway.
“This attracted the officer’s attention and led to a traffic stop,” Mangrum said.
A DUI investigation was launched after the officer detected the odor of an intoxicating beverage.
“He was over the legal limit to be driving, combining that with the road conditions and it is very dangerous for others on the road,” the chief reported.
Kirk was booked in the Yalobusha County Detention Center.
The third DUI arrest was also on Jan. 19 when officers pulled over Timothy Brown of Water Valley for speeding and running a stop sign. Brown was arrested following a DUI investigation and booked in the Yalobusha County Detention Center.
Mangrum also reported officers made one drug arrest while responding to a disturbance call on Griffin Street on Jan. 15. Terry Reeder of Water Valley was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, more than two grams but less than 10 grams.
Reeder provided consent for officers to search her vehicle during the call. They discovered a pouch inside her purse containing 5.2 grams of apparent methamphetamine.
“We will send the substance to the crime lab for verification, just as we do in all drug arrests,” the chief added.
