High-speed chase ends in Tractor Supply parking lot

Sheriff’s deputies netted two arrests following a high-speed chase that started on Mississippi 16 west, wound through the Choctaw Indian Reservation and ended in the Tractor Supply Parking lot last week, the authorities said.

Lonnie Eugene Ray, 27, of 166 Embry Road, Byhalia, was arrested and charged with felony pursuit, aggravated assault of a police officer, first offense DUI, improper passing, reckless driving, disobeying a traffic control device, no proof of liability insurance, resisting arrest, seatbelt violation, disorderly conduct-failure to comply and driving on the wrong side of a roadway.

Ray remained Tuesday in custody in the Neshoba County Detention Center on $35,000 bond.

Trevor Bell, 20, of 4460 Mirard Drive, Olive Branch, was also arrested and charged with false ID information, a seatbelt violation and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bell  remained Tuesday in custody on a $1,000 bond.

Sheriff Eric Clark said that the two men were arrested after a high-speed chase that ended in the Tractor Supply parking lot. Sheriff’s deputies encountered a Red Ford Ranger pickup on Mississippi 16 west with multiple traffic infractions on Wednesday, June 16.

It would later be determined that Ray was driving and Bell was a passenger.

“The attempted traffic stop led to a felony pursuit with the passenger of the pickup waving a handgun at officers during the pursuit,” Clark said.

The pursuit led deputies onto the Pearl River Reservation by way of BIA Road 0022.

At one point the driver eluded deputies, which soon involved Choctaw Police and Choctaw Wildlife officers, according to Clark’s account detailed in a Friday afternoon press release. 

The pursuit continued back to Mississippi 16, traveling east toward Philadelphia. 

The pursuit ended in the Tractor Supply parking lot where enforcement officers were able to block the truck in to prevent fleeing. Ray and Bell were then arrested and charged.