STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Yesterday, November 1, Starkville P.D. arrested Felicia Monroe for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Weapon by Felon.
The arrest happened at an apartment on Everglade Avenue.
39 year-old Monroe was transported to the Oktibbeha County Jail with a total bond of $60,000.
Felicia Monroe
The post Possession Of A Weapon Arrest appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
TISHOMINGO COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Several complaints from neighbors point authorities to the seizure of alleged narcotics.
Yesterday, November 2, the Tishomingo County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Belmont Police Department and the Mississippi Department of Corrections, arrested Randy James, Gregory Don Fair, and Curtis Teague after a search of James’s home.
While Fair and Teague attempted to hide from authorities, the reported Oxycodone was discovered on James’s person.
Randy James, of Belmont, was charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Introduction of Contraband to a Correctional Facility and Possession of Weapon by Felon.
Gregory Fair, of Glen, was served a warrant by the City of Belmont and a Capias Warrant by Tishomingo County.
Lastly, Curtis Teague, of Glen, had a hold placed on him by the department of corrections.
Randy James
Curtis Teague
Gregory Fair
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP)- Mississippi officials are anticipating a record number of opioid deaths statewide in 2017.
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director John Dowdy, says the state has confirmed 195 deaths from opioid overdoses through the end of October. With an average of 19.5 deaths being reported each month, Dowdy suspects the total could top 234 fatal overdoses at the end of this year.
Dowdy said his agency has seen substantial spikes” in overdoses reported by coroners this year. For example, Hinds County reported six fatal opioid overdoses in 2016. There have been 25 confirmed so far this year.
Dowdy said he fears the 2017 death toll could potentially surpass 300 once backlogged paperwork comes in confirming more cases.
The post Video: State Predicts Record Number of Opioid Deaths for 2017 appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Surprise checkpoints in Monroe County lands a known drug dealer and three others in jail.
32 year-old Kristopher Meisenholder, of Hamilton, was arrested Saturday for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. Sheriff Cecil Cantrell says 26 grams of ice was found in his car.
Cantrell says that’s the largest amount in a single stop he’s ever seen.
Christopher Pennegton, Tina Welch and Jazlyn Pitre were also arrested over the weekend after deputies found drugs in their vehicles.
Deputies set up check points in the Bartahatchie and Wolf road area after learning where some drug deals were happening.
Ecstasy, meth and two guns were seized in the stops.
Sheriff Cantrell says his department will continue to work around the clock to clear drugs from his county.
“Our deputies are working hard, our investigators are working hard to send a message to the drug dealers, you better go to another county cause we’re working here in this county to make it clean and safe as possible,” says Sheriff Cantrell.
Three of the suspects were on probation with the MDOC. All are being held in the Monroe County Detention Center.
Christopher Pennengton
Kristopher Meisenholder
Jazlyn Pitre
Tina Welch
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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Everytime Doctor Keith Cochran steps into the pulpit at West Jackson Street Baptist Church, he is certain of at least two things, he has prepared for his sermon, and his congregation is prepared if someone inside, or outside the church, wants to hurt others.
“When there’s lots of people around, for me the priority is, we need to get people to safety, yeah, we need to stop the guy , but we need to get people to safety and take care of them,” Dr. Cochran said.
Pastor Cochran says the plan of action for an active shooter situation would be to , run, hide and as a last resort, fight. He says the congregation has been briefed on the crisis plan, and during each service, the church hires an off duty sheriff’s deputy to patrol the property.
Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson says Sunday’s massacre shows that smaller churches make easy targets.
“If you was an individual that was going to target a church it would make more sense to target something that posed you less on a threat, and a small church is probably not going to,” Sheriff Johnson said.
Sheriff Johnson says the answer is not having more laws and regulations on the books, he says churches need to be proactive and have simple plans of action, in case the unthinkable happens.
“I think most people have more security than they did four or five years ago, but now how far that goes, I don’t know we have that many churches that are truly prepared to take on something like this,” he said.
Sheriff Johnson understands churches need to be welcoming, but he says they also need to be safe.
The sheriff encourages churches to join forces and hold workshops to help train members on how to react in case of an emergency.
The post Video: Sheriff Says Local Churches Need To Have Plan In Place Before Crisis Strikes appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – After being given a ride, a Columbus man is accused of stealing a vehicle and leading deputies on a chase.
Lowndes County Chief Deputy Marc Miley says a deputy spotted the stolen vehicle on Highway 373.
When the deputy approached the vehicle Dylan Langford, 18, drove away.
The pursuit continued south into north Columbus.
Law enforcement spiked the tires of the stolen vehicle and the chase ended at gas station near Bluecutt Road and Highway 45.
“She allowed him to stay with her last night in Vernon, Al and this morning they were in the car and stopped at the store,” said Miley.
Langford is charged with felony taking of motor a vehicle and fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A former fast food worker, accused of tampering with someone’s food, will serve one year in prison.
You may remember the scandal that rocked Jack’s Restaurant in Columbus, earlier this year.
Sky Samuels, a former employee, was arrested in January, for putting blood on someone’s burger.
Today, November 8, the 18 year-old pleaded guilty in court, and was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
Samuels must also pay a $1,200 fine.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public’s help in finding a man charged with three murders who escaped a northwest Mississippi jail.
The state police agency has added 27-year-old Antoine Adams to its list of top 10 most wanted fugitives. Police in Mississippi and Tennessee have been looking for Adams since he escaped a jail in Holly Springs, Mississippi, early Sunday.
Adams is accused of killing a man and leaving him in a Mississippi ditch late last year. He also faces two murder charges in Memphis.
Adams was arrested in August in Texas and brought to Mississippi.
The agency says Adams may have stolen a 2007 Chrysler 300, with Mississippi tag TAA-810.
A reward of up to $2,500 is offered for information leading to Adams’ arrest.
Antoine Adams
Source: TBI
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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Members of a citizens police advisory board had a unique opportunity to see how law enforcement officers are trained to react during traffic stops.
For Aaron Washington , the objective was clear. He is playing the role of a police officer, who stops this gray Ford truck for a traffic violation. His goal is to get the drivers license, and proof of insurance, but things don’t go well.
“Let’s just say, I’m a bad officer, glad to serve on the police advisory board, but there’s a lot to that, got to be thinking, and well trained,” Washington said.
Washington , and other members of the civilian advisory panel, and members of the media, spent a few hours at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center where they were taken through some of the same training cadets and veteran officers utilize.
Each member was taken through an interactive video tool known as the Firearms Training Simulator, or F.A.T.S.
“Every gun is a gun call, cause we carry a gun into that call. And then, what’s a killer look like, what’s a bad person look like, we never know if there’s a gun in the car, how they’re going to react,” said Deputy Chief Allan Gilbert.
Each scenario is based on a real life situation, members of the Citizen’s Police Advisory Board says this gives them a better understanding of what police have to go through and also it shows them there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.
“In a split of a second you have to make decisions, that are going to affect whether you will go back to your family or not. You get a good perspective of what a police officer goes through,” said Advisory Board Member Gabriela Ungo.
“The knowledge they gain through this, can help maybe answer some questions people might have through incorrect perceptions, I realize, what you perceive is what you believe,in some cases that’s not true,” said Advisory Board Chairman Bill Allen.
After each drill, participants were briefed on what worked, what didn’t and how law enforcement officers are taught and trained to respond.
Each member of the police advisory board is required to go through the Citizens Police Academy.
The post Hands-on Look At Traffic Stop Training appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
JOANNE SMITH
COLUMBUS, Miss.
Columbus Police need your help locating a suspect that is wanted for Intimidating a Witness. Tuesday, November 7, 2017, a Warrant was issued for Joanne Smith (36) concerning an incident that occurred on November 4 at the Premier Lounge on 22nd Street South in Columbus. Intimidating a Witness is a felony and if convicted can carry a maximum sentence of $5000 &/or 15 years in prison. Any information on the whereabouts of Joanne Smith Contact Crime Stoppers @ 1-800-530-7151.
The post Columbus Police Looking for Suspect in Intimidation Case appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
SHUQUALAK, Miss. (WCBI) -A Noxubee County man is dead after being shot in the head in Shuqualak Thursday night, and another man is behind bars.
CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Noxubee County deputies responded to a shooting on Church Street in Shuqualak around 6:30 P.M.
Investigators identified Christopher Scott as a Person of Interest.
Scott turned himself in to the Sheriff’s Office.
Officials have not released the name of the victim.
The post UPDATE: Person of Interest in Noxubee County Shooting Turns Himself In appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Three teenagers are being held without bond, charged with capital murder in the shooting death of a 70 year old Baldwyn man.
The community was shocked when the body of Henry Adams Jr., was discovered at his home, and now, authorities say robbery appears to be the motive.
Three juveniles, Quindaris Burress, and Dequan Stribling, both 13, and 14 year old Jayce West, are each charged with capital murder. Since their arrests last week, they have been held at the Lee County Adult Jail. Under Mississippi law, a minor, charged with a felony, can be charged as an adult in circuit court.
Drew Stuart is a criminal defense attorney who has represented minors charged with serious crimes. He says although state law allows the teenagers to be treated as adults, there is one major difference when it comes to possible sentences.
“The United States Supreme Court, said in 2005, that the imposition of the death penalty against a juvenile violates the 8th Amendments prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment,” Stuart said.
So while the death penalty is not an option for the three juveniles if convicted of capital murder, they could face either life in prison without parole, or life in prison with the possibility of parole.
The juvenile suspects will likely stay in the adult jail until the case goes before the Grand Jury. If they indict, a circuit court judge could decide to send the case to youth court. If that happens, the teenagers would be moved to the juvenile detention facility.
If the case stays in circuit court, Stuart says it would proceed like any other . Defendants could be tried together, or separately. Also, he says the District Attorney is not obligated to offer, or accept any plea bargain. Of course, a defendant could plead guilty, but Stuart says any suspect,, regardless of age, must have an understanding of the process.
“The defendant, needs to be competent to such an extent that he or she can assist their trail counsel in defending their own case,” he said.
Stuart points out that is one of the many issues the trial judge will have to decide.
The case is expected to be presented to the January Grand Jury.
The post Video: Rare Juvenile Cases appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A bar fight in Clay County sends one man to the hospital and another to jail.
Raheem Johnson, of West Point, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault last night, November 9.
Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott says the victim was reportedly struck in the face by a beer bottle.
The victim was later transported to Med-One in Memphis for facial reconstructive surgery.
Johnson is awaiting a set bond at the Clay County Detention Center.
Raheem Johnson
The post Clay County Aggravated Assault Arrest appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – 30 year-old West Point resident, Megan Farrell is facing six separate drug charges following a traffic stop.
According to Sheriff Eddie Scott, Farrell was carrying marijuana, codeine, morphine, amphetamine, and vyvanse at the time of the arrest.
Farrell is charged with misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband to a Correctional Facility and 4 counts of Possession of Controlled Substances.
Her total bond is set at just over $22,000.
Megan Farrell
The post Woman Facing Six Separate Drug Charges appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Police in West Point need your help identifying three men in a pawn shop burglary.
Police say video shows three men burglarizing the D & B Pawn Shop in West Point Thursday.
Only one man is seen entering the building and police say he broke a glass gun case and got away with four Hi-Point Pistols.
If you have any information your urged to call Detective Ramirez Ivy at 662-494-1244.
Police say you can leave a message on Facebook and earn a reward for information leading to an arrest by calling Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151.
The post VIDEO: Police Need Help Catching Pawn Shop Burglars appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Two suspects are on the run after robbing a Dollar General last night, November 13.
According to Tupelo P.D., the duo entered the 1706 South Gloster Street store demanding money with a weapon
One is described a black male wearing a blue jacket with khaki pants, with a black mask on.
The other is described as a white male wearing a black long sleeved jacket with khaki pants, a mask and a red bandanna around his neck.
The total amount of money taken has yet to be determined.
If you have any information related to this crime contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 1-800-773-8477.
The post Unidentified Suspects Rob Dollar General appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
Joanne Smith, 36, Surrenders to Police
Source: Columbus PD
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- A woman accused of repeatedly intimidating a witness, turned herself in Monday morning.
Last week Columbus Police Officers, were searching for 36-year-old Joanne Smith. She was wanted for intimidating a witness, in connection with a November 4th incident, at the Premier Lounge.
The night club is the same location as the officer-involved shooting, that left a 23-year-old man dead.
Investigators say the incident involving Smith, took place the same night.
Before her surrender, Smith was out on bond on an earlier charge of intimidating a witness.
The post Woman Accused of Intimidating Witness Surrenders appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Two men are indicted on murder charges in the shooting death of a Mississippi State student.
District Attorney Scott Colom confirms the indictment of Jaylen Barker and Syboris Pippins.
A special grand jury was called last week.
21 year-old Joseph Tillman was shot and killed on Maxwell Street in Starkville back in November of last year.
Investigators believe Tillman was killed and robbed.
Colom says Barker and Pippins were served with the warrants for their arrest this morning.
A court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The post Cotton District Murder Indictment appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A three county police pursuit over the weekend is still being sorted out by law enforcement.
Louisville Police Chief LM Claiborne says an officer pulled over a speeding vehicle on Saturday, November 11, when the officer returned to his cruiser the car drove off.
Jackson police say the suspect’s vehicle was involved in a carjacking over the weekend.
The pursuit left Winston County and finally ended near Highway 69, in Columbus, in a crash.
Two Columbus police vehicles were damaged.
A 15 year-old was arrested at the scene.
We are awaiting more information from Jackson police.
The post Police Pursuit Spans Three Counties appeared first on WCBI TV |News Leader - Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, North Mississippi.
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Reports of shots fired in Tupelo have police looking for suspects.
Around 10 this morning, November 14, The Tupelo Police Department responded to Colonial Estates Road.
The suspect had fled by the time police had arrived and no injuries have been reported.
Early investigation has led authorities to believe a verbal argument led to the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding this case should call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 1-800-773-TIPS.
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