Man leads deputies on high-speed chase, hides at Fairgrounds

A Neshoba County man was arrested last week after leading authorities on a high-speed chase from Hope to the Fairgrounds.

Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said the man, James Marcell Holliday, 39, of 10971 Road 212, was arrested and charged with felony pursuit, speeding, no proof of insurance, improper passing, reckless driving, disobeying a traffic control device, and improper lane usage.

On Saturday, July 13, at about 11 p.m., Clark said that Neshoba County Sheriff’s deputies and state troopers were working a safety checkpoint near the Hope Country Store on Highway 488 when Holliday avoided the checkpoint by turning onto County Road 147. 

The trooper then pursued Holliday to Highway 21 and the entrance to the Neshoba County Fairgrounds. Clark said he and a number of deputies were on the Fairgrounds at that time working the weekend Fair detail.

Holliday was quickly located, trying to hide near the campers just inside the main gate, and was arrested.

Clark said Holliday said he avoided the checkpoint because he did not have a license and was out on parole for a crime he committed in Scott County.

“He showed a true disregard for the safety of others,” Clark said.