Sunday morning Oct. 15th just after midnight a motorist attempted to avoid a safety checkpoint on Highway 4 West within the Booneville City limits. The checkpoint was being manned by a Prentiss County Deputy and a Booneville Police Officer.   The motorist cut his lights off and pulled into a lot just east of the checkpoint.  Officers went to investigate and as they approached the motorist pulled back into the roadway with the car lights still off.  A traffic stopped was initiated and the motorist attempted to evaded the Officers by fleeing east on Highway 4 and then turn north onto Carolina road, then shortly thereafter crashed into a tree.  The vehicle ignited in flames and the motorist perished as a result of the crash..

The identity of the white male driver had not been confirmed, but authorities had a good idea who he might be. The coroner, the sheriff’s office chaplain and a representative from the highway patrol visited a family member of the person notified family members of the incident and that it was suspected who the driver was based on the registration of the automobile.

"The fatal crash was “very tragic” for everyone involved". "Our prayers and sympathies go out to all involved."

"The Mississippi Highway Patrol worked the crash scene to avoid the appearance of any bias in the investigation."

Tolar said the city officer involved in the pursuit is also one of his full-time deputies who works part time for the city of Booneville police. The other law enforcement officer involved in the incident is a full-time deputy with Prentiss County.

The Law Enforcement officers were in separate vehicles at the time the motorist evaded the Officers..

It was unclear if the crash occurred in the city or the county due to the crash scene ‘s proximity to the municipal limits.