Suspect sought in hit-and-run

Local law enforcement officials continue to search for leads in identifying the vehicle in connection to a hit and run that injured a pedestrian east of town last Tuesday evening.

The pedestrian was walking west on the right-hand side of Mississippi 16 toward Philadelphia near Dogwood Lane when he was clipped from behind by the unidentified vehicle and was thrown into a ditch at about 6:20 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 26, according to reports from Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark’s Office and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Clark identified the pedestrian as David Nowell, 37, of Philadelphia. MHP Spokesman Andy West said that Nowell was treated on scene by EMS and was not transported to the hospital.

Clark and West said the authorities still have no vehicle description.

A passing good Samaritan nurse who saw Nowell pulling himself up out of the ditch was helping Nowell when authorities arrived, Clark said. 

Reports stated that Nowell was lucid and talking when deputies arrived but was complaining of back pain.

Nowell was wearing a bright blue T-shirt, blue jeans and was carrying a backpack.

West said that the case remains under investigation.

Clark said anyone with information on the hit-and-run should call the Neshoba County Sheriff's Office at 601-656-1414.