TUPELO —
A Picayune man who failed to appear for a court appearance last week in Poplarville was killed Sunday in a shoot-out with Highway Patrol troopers after a chase along U.S. Highway 45 in Lee County.
Highway Patrol spokesman Warren Strain identified the man as 40-year-old Gerald John Wagner of 85 Green Meadow Place in Picayune. Strain says an investigation into the incident is continuing.
Strain said the chase began in Monroe County when authorities tried to stop Wagner who fled in a green sport-utility vehicle described as a 1992 Chevrolet Suburban. The pursuit ended in Lee County where a Tupelo police officer deployed a “stop stick” in the highway, which deflated the vehicle’s tires.
Strain said Wagner fled on foot from the scene, ignored orders to stop and was fatally shot when he turned toward troopers brandishing a handgun.
Strain said during the pursuit, Wagner fired at least four shots at the officers.
According to Pearl River County Circuit Court records, Wagner knew he was supposed to appear in Circuit Court in Poplarville last Thursday for three indictments. The indictments were for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and for sale of a controlled substance. Wagner did not show for his court date, court records show.
State News
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KILLED -- Gerald John Wagner of Picayune was killed in a shoot-out in Lee County. AP wire
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