Deputies searching for suspect who fought at Fair

A suspect involved in a fight after vandalizing a car near the Fairgrounds the last day of the Neshoba County Fair is being sought, Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said.

Clark said his officers were patrolling the parking area of the Fairgrounds following a series of reported car burglaries earlier that week when the NCSO received a call around 11:30 on Friday, July 28, that a fight was happening on Road 414 in the parking area just outside the Fairgrounds Gate 3 near an area known as ‘The Lagoon.”

When the deputy arrived he reported that the suspects, believed to be juveniles had dispersed. At the scene, deputies found a 2016 Nissan Altima with Madison County plates that had been severely vandalized. 

Clark said a video was taken of the altercation that showed between four and six suspects in a fight. He said no suspects could be identified using the video though it did show the fight and some of its aftermath.

“It looked like they were all fighting each other,” Clark said. “It did not look like there was a side.”

After the fight, a participant, threw a beer bottle, breaking the back passenger side window of the Altima. He then began jumping on the hood and windshield of the car.

“He destroyed the hood and windshield,” Clark said.

In describing the suspect’s role in the fight Clark said “I don't think he was the winner.” 

The deputy learned the individual who vandalized the car got into a black Chevy truck that was “squatted,” meaning the front of the truck was lifted higher than the back of the truck. Clark said the truck is believed to have Leake County plates.

Clark said the owner of the Altima had to tow the vehicle home.

Clark said if a suspect can be identified they would likely be charged with felony malicious mischief.

Anyone with information on criminal activity in the Neshoba County and Philadelphia area is encouraged to call the NCSO at (601) 656-1414 or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-855-485-8477.