Juvenile driver involved in fatal crash after police pursuit in Tupelo
The Tupelo Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that happened shortly after midnight Sunday, following a police pursuit of a stolen vehicle. According to authorities, an officer on patrol near North Gloster Street received an alert about a stolen vehicle entering the city limits.
The officer spotted a vehicle matching the description exiting a parking lot on North Gloster Street and confirmed it was stolen. While following the vehicle, the officer observed traffic violations and attempted to initiate a traffic stop near North Gloster Street and Barnes Crossing. The vehicle failed to stop and fled, prompting a brief chase.
The stolen vehicle continued south on North Gloster Street before turning onto Symphony Lane and later Mall Drive. During a turn, it struck a curb and kept fleeing. The pursuit ended when the vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree on Mall Drive. Officers did not use force to stop the vehicle.
After the crash, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot but was quickly apprehended nearby without incident. Officers found multiple juveniles inside the vehicle and began rendering aid to the occupants. All were transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. One juvenile passenger later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver has been identified as a juvenile. Authorities said any charges will be handled through Lee County Youth Court and the District Attorney’s Office. Due to the involvement of minors, additional details about the incident have not been released, police said.
Source: Original Article
