On the morning of November 20, 2023, Picayune Police Officers responded to reports of multiple commercial burglaries that occurred overnight in the area.

An officer observed a suspicious person during a routine building check at Dad’s Campers. The individual initially complied with commands but subsequently fled on foot into the wooded area behind American Glass. In response, law enforcement established a perimeter and requested K9 Trea for assistance.

While conducting the K9 track, an officer located a vehicle behind a church on S Haugh Avenue, linked to the primary suspect. Simultaneously, two individuals were observed running across S Haugh Avenue into the wooded area near the storage units on the south side of Meadowgreen Blvd. Another perimeter was established, and K9 Trea successfully tracked and located both suspects in the woods.

Following the apprehension, one juvenile was charged with six counts of commercial burglary and released to their parents. Another juvenile faced charges of one count of commercial burglary and one count of resisting arrest by fleeing, also released to their parent. The outstanding suspect, a juvenile, is expected to face six counts of commercial burglary when located.

Picayune Police acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the case resolution. The department thanked their officers and K9 Trea for their swift actions and expressed appreciation to the deputies from the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department for assistance in establishing perimeters.

Police Chief Joe Quave commended the proactive measures Patrol Officers took, emphasizing the importance of routine building checks. Chief Quave stated, “If it weren’t for building checks being done, we wouldn’t have seen the suspicious male who intended to commit another burglary.” He further highlighted the diligence of the Criminal Investigation Division, noting their recovery of stolen property before the victim became aware of the loss.

Chief Quave clarified that all three suspects were juveniles aged 17, emphasizing their responsibility and expectation of making better decisions. The Police Chief also affirmed that charges for the outstanding suspect were imminent as the investigation progressed.