Two suspects wanted by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department for vehicle thefts were recently apprehended.
Detectives began investigating the case on April 4 when a gold Ford Expedition was reported stolen in the area of Herscel Mitchell Road, Pearl River County Detective Randy Messa said.
The vehicle was reportedly stolen during the night, Messa said.
A second vehicle, a Chevrolet 3500, was also reported stolen in the same area on April 13, he said.
Through witness statements and suspect lineups, Messa said detectives believe two county residents were responsible for the thefts, Brandon Tarver, 18, and Jodi Sampey, 22.
Both vehicles have since been recovered after they were discovered broken down, one on Mount Carmel Road and one on West Union Road, Messa said.
Sampey was located Sunday after a local bail bondsman recognized the stolen vehicle, which belonged to a family member of the bondsman, and found Sampey hiding at a local residence, Messa said. The bondsman held Sampey until detectives arrived.
Tarver was reportedly with Sampey at the time but fled the home before being captured, Messa said.
Stampey is being held in the Pearl River County jail for burglary of an inhabited dwelling, shoplifting and receiving stolen property.
Tarver was located Monday with the help of the Picayune Police Department after he fled the scene of a hit and run accident on North Haugh Avenue, Messa said.
Tarver was seen fleeing the vehicle and hid underneath a house along the street, Messa said.
He was captured and arrested for four outstanding traffic warrants and two counts of receiving stolen property.