Driver clocked at almost 100 mph on I-55 in Lincoln County, charges pending

Published 3:30 pm Friday, May 26, 2017

A McComb man clocked driving nearly 100 mph on I-55 today was taken in for questioning by Mississippi Highway Patrol after fleeing authorities.

The man has not been identified at this time, and charges are pending, said Cpl. Brandon Fortenberry of the MHP.

Fortenberry said a trooper at mile marker 24 just inside Lincoln County clocked the white Chevy Malibu at 94 mph and began a pursuit about 1:30 p.m.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

The driver was northbound on I-55.

MHP was assisted by deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, who threw out tire deflation devices at exit 40, which leads to Brookway Boulevard.

“After those deployed, the car came to a safe stop in the median,” he said.

When the car stopped, the driver and the passenger both exited the vehicle. The passenger, who is from Brookhaven but was not identified by Fortenberry, immediately got on the ground to wait for law enforcement.

He was questioned at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and released, Fortenberry said.

The driver fled the car on foot and was captured within minutes, Fortenberry said.

The heat from the Chevy’s engine caused the grass in the median to ignite which caused the car to catch on fire. Firefighters from Brookhaven Fire Department put out the small fire, he said.