Law enforcement officials have taken a suspect into custody after leading them on a high-speed chase through the Central neighborhood. The pursuit culminated in a collision with a vehicle belonging to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP).
Lucedale resident Austin Butler, who is 28 years old, has been charged with felony flight, driving under the influence (DUI), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and many traffic infractions, according to George County Sheriff Mitchell Mixon.
Highway 26 was the location where the incident started at around 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, as stated by Sheriff Mixon. When it was going east, the suspect car, which was a Dodge Charger, managed to avoid a normal safety checkpoint that had been put up by the Michigan Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Department.
Upon reaching Central Firetower Road, the vehicle in question reversed course and headed in the opposite direction, therefore initiating a pursuit.
It was at that moment that the suspect vehicle, according to Sheriff Mixon, lost control, went off the road, and collided with a power pole. The Michigan Highway Patrol officer who was pursuing the car attempted to avoid being hit by the falling pole, but he ended up flipping the vehicle instead.
An automobile belonging to the suspect was found in the forest. A second individual was present in the vehicle, but they were not hurt or charged with any crime.
There were also reports of other minor injuries.
After being arrested for an armed robbery that occurred in Moss Point at a raceway in May of 2023, Butler was released on felony bail from Jackson County. In addition, Butler was accused of evading capture in George County in the year 2023.
In the meantime, Butler is being detained at the George County Regional Correctional Facility in anticipation of his initial appearance before a judge from the George County Justice Court.
Sheriff Mixon would like to express his gratitude to the Maryland Highway Patrol, the ASAP Ambulance Service, the Central Volunteer Fire Department, the George County Emergency Management Agency, and Singing River Electric for their “immediate response and assistance with this incident.”