A traffic stop escalated into a high-speed chase across three counties in the Pine Belt area on Wednesday evening. The Jones County Sheriff’s Department (JCSD) initiated the stop after detecting the odor of marijuana emanating from a pickup truck at Mak’s Convenience Store, situated on U.S. 11 south in Eastabuchie.
Incident Overview
The driver of the vehicle, 41-year-old Adrian Speights from Prentiss, was approached by narcotics agents for questioning. During this interaction, Speights accelerated the vehicle, dragging Agent Chase Smith approximately 30 to 40 feet before he was forcibly ejected from the truck.
Injuries and Response
Agent Smith sustained injuries during the incident. He received medical attention at South Central Regional Medical Center for cuts, abrasions, and bruises. Fortunately, he was later released and returned to his duties.
Chase Across the Pine Belt
The pursuit intensified as Lt. Jake Driskell and Sgt. Joel Brogan chased Speights from Warren Mott Parkway onto Interstate 59 south. Speights deviated back to the Evelyn Gandy Parkway and crossed the median before heading north on I-59. The chase soon extended to U.S. 49 towards Collins.
- The Mississippi Highway Patrol, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, and Collins Police Department joined the pursuit.
- Speights drove north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 49, nearly colliding with oncoming traffic.
To terminate the pursuit, Driskell and Brogan used their department vehicle to force Speights off the road and sent him down an embankment, resulting in damage to both vehicles.
Arrest and Charges
Speights was ultimately apprehended by JCSD and taken to the Jones County Adult Detention Facility. Officers discovered a firearm, 46 grams of methamphetamine, 3.5 grams of crack cocaine, and 1.8 grams of powder cocaine in his possession. As a convicted felon, Speights expressed his desire to flee, fearing a return to prison.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
- Felony fleeing
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Trafficking methamphetamine while in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm
Adrian Speights is set to make his first court appearance in the Jones County Justice Court at 1 p.m. on Friday.
