Arrests made after high-speed chase

A Preston man wanted by MDOC on a sale of cocaine charge led Philadelphia Police on a high-speed chase through the city one evening last week.

The man, William Junior Smith, 34, 1310 McDonald Road, Preston, has been arrested and charged with felony fleeing, reckless driving, false information and resisting arrest following the chase. Jail records also show a seatbelt violation and a hold for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Smith was apparently out early previously having been in prison on a 2014 sale of cocaine charge stemming from Kemper County. He was serving 10 years with a tentative release date of May 26, 2024, according to the MDOC website.

Jaelyn K. Rush, 20, of 145 Valley Road, Preston, was also in the vehicle and has been charged with public intoxication.

Both were arrested after the high-speed chase that began about 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 24, and proceeded out along Highway 21 almost to the county line.

Smith lost control of his vehicle after attempting to turn off of Highway 21 onto County Road 1727. Smith fled on foot into a wooded area and was taken into custody moments later.

A passenger inside the vehicle was also taken into custody as well and has been identified as Rush.

Smith is currently being held at the Winston-Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility. Rush was released on a $500 bond on May 25.