Two Arrested In Home Invasion
Two Arrested In Home Invasion
By David Howell
Editor
WATER VALLEY – Two men have been arrested and authorities are searching for a third suspect following a home invasion on County Road 224, east of Water Valley, on Dec. 26. Sheriff Lance Humphreys reported the victim was a 76 year-old man who was sleeping when the men entered his home just after midnight. The sheriff added the victim was struck with in the head with his own pistol, one of two guns the three men took from the house.
Thomas Christopher Jackson and Courtney Pigee were arrested and charged with burglary, aggravated assault and grand larceny in the incident. Humphreys said.
“Thankfully the homeowner had cameras installed and we got some good images that led to a speedy arrest,” Humphreys told the Herald. Jackson was arrested in Yalobusha County less than 24 hours after the incident after a deputy was able to identify him in the video. Pigee was arrested the following day in Pontotoc County.
Authorities are still searching for Warren Draper, a third suspect allegedly shown in the video. Humphreys said an arrest warrant has been issued for Draper and urges anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspect to contact the Yalobusha County Crime Stoppers. The organization will pay up to $1,000 for information about this crime. You can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-933-TIPS or 473-4935.
“We haven’t ruled out a fourth person that could possibly be involved in this, an unidentified female subject that may have been driving the men,” the sheriff added.
The victim received medical treatment – eight stitches between his eyes – following the assault. Humphreys said one of the suspects had been to the residence before and likely knew the guns were in the house.
In other law enforcement news:
• A four-wheeler stolen from County Road 181 in the Tillatoba community on Dec. 26 was recovered later that day in Panola County. Humphreys said the 2010 Honda 420 was reported stolen around 10 a.m. that morning and recovered several hours later in an unrelated drug investigation by Panola County deputies.
Chase Vaughn of Hatties-burg and Katelyn Stevens of Tillatoba have been charged with grand larceny in the incident. Humphreys said deputies are searching for Larry Clayton Franks, a third man wanted for questioning in connection with the theft.
• Two men face drug charges following a traffic stop on Hwy. 330, west of Coffeeville, on Christmas Eve. Jason Hughes of Water Valley and Billy Mac Ingram of Coffeeville were charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine, less than two grams. Humphreys said the traffic stop was initiated by narcotics officer Thomas West due to an expired tag. Ingram was driving the vehicle.
“Both men appeared very nervous, alerting the officer,” Humphreys explained. Consent to search the vehicle was given and West discovered the alleged methamphetamine.
Humphreys said Hughes was also charged with failure to register as a sex offender in the county after the investigation revealed he had moved back to the county and failed to report the change.
