Man who shot at deputy in jail

Man who shot at deputy in jail

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A felon who allegedly traded gunfire with Neshoba County Sheriff’s deputies has been released from the hospital and taken to jail, Sheriff Eric Clark said.

Piotr James Gullett, 27, 946 Mt. Olive Road, Starkville, has been charged with fleeing arrest and burglary of a dwelling. He has been denied bond on both charges.

Gullet was arrested on May 21 following a manhunt after he fled on foot having fired shots at a Neshoba County Sheriff’s deputy. 

Clark said Gullet was released into the custody of deputies on Sunday, May 30. He was then transported to the Neshoba County Detention Center where he remains.

More charges are pending against Gullett in two investigations, Clark said.

First is the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation probe into the officer-involved shooting. Clark said that Gullett likely faces at least an aggravated assault charge, although others are possible and those will be determined by MBI. Jail records do not show any MBI charges against Gullet as of Tuesday morning.

The second is the investigation is into a burglary reported the Friday afternoon that led to contact with Gullett and a chase before shots were exchanged.

Clark said his department’s investigation included the home invasion and all charges leading up to the officer-involved shooting. Clark said investigators believe items, including a gun, were taken during the alleged break-in.

Clark said the District Attorney is also involved in both investigations.

Clark said the incident started on the afternoon of Friday, May 21 when deputies were responding to a reported house burglary in the North Bend community on Road 2826 when an officer spotted a silver Toyota Tacoma that had been described by the caller. Clark said they had reason to suspect Gullet was armed.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop and a high-speed chase ensued.

The chase ended in the Spring Creek community at the intersection of Road 567 and Road 624 where the driver lost control and stalled in a ditch on Road 567.

“The driver exited the pickup and opened fire on the Sheriff’s deputy,” Clark said. “After an exchange of gunfire, the felon escaped into a wooded area near the intersection.”

Multiple law enforcement agencies quickly responded, Clark said.

The investigation revealed the silver Toyota Tacoma was reported stolen from Oktibbeha County. Gullet was also responsible for the theft of a green Chevrolet pickup in Leflore County earlier on Friday. 

Clark said investigators believe the gun Gullet used was likely stolen and was acquired when he stole one of the two pickups.






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