Last month, officers with the Poplarville Police Department worked two separate incidents that involved a high-speed chase and the attempted burglary of a local business.
On Feb. 9 at 3:30 a.m., a Poplarville Police officer was traveling north on Highway 11 near Pearl River Community College when he noticed a black Honda Accord traveling south with a malfunctioning tail light, Poplarville Police Chief Don T. “Butch” Raby Jr. said.
The officer turned around to conduct a stop but the Honda turned onto West North Street, traveling at a high rate of speed the police chief said.
The officer activated his patrol lights and sirens but the vehicle failed to stop and continued traveling at a high speed, Raby said.
As the Honda approached Highway 26 West, the car ran across highway and the officer observed the car flip off the roadway and crash into an empty building, Raby said.
After the accident, the officer approached the vehicle and noticed that the driver was injured, Raby said.
The driver, later identified as 37-year-old Aaron Matthew Knight of 365 John Amacker Road, was transported by ambulance to Pearl River County Hospital and airlifted to Forrest General Hospital, Raby said.
After a search of the Honda, the officer found a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana on the driver and passenger side floorboard, Raby said.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending, Raby said.
On Feb. 29 at 1:49, in a separate incident, officers responded to a burglar alarm at Poor Boys ATV and Repair Shop on 306 E. North St., Raby said.
Upon officers’ arrival, they noticed an open rear door and observed a black crowbar on the ground outside, Raby said.
When they stepped inside, officers observed two book bags, which were filled with what was believed to be burglary tools, Raby said.
After the officers cleared the building, the owner arrived and did not report anything missing or tampered with, Raby said.
After further investigation, on that same day at 11 p.m., officers arrested 19-year-old Trey Turner of 604 Gumpond Deall Rd., Raby said.
He was charged with commercial burglary and possession of burglary tools, the police chief said.
The investigation is ongoing and there is a possibility a second suspect was involved in the incident, Raby said.