UPDATE:

Willie Qualls was arrested near JJ’s Shell Station in Mendenhall shortly before 8 am Wednesday, according to the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials posted that they would like to thank everyone who remained vigilant and provided support in locating Qualls, including Magee PD, Rankin SO, Ridgeland PD, Madison PD and Mendenhall PD.

Original post, Dec. 28, 2021

The Simpson County Sheriffs Dept is asking residents to make sure that their vehicles are locked with the keys removed while a manhunt ensues.

According to a post on their Facebook page, deputies pursued a stolen vehicle on Highway 49 near Magee Tuesday afternoon.

Police say the driver, Willie Gene Qualls, ran the stolen vehicle into the woods near the railroad tracks and fled on foot.

Going into Tuesday night, a multi-agency manhunt was ongoing.

Authorities are asking residents to make sure that their vehicles are locked and the keys removed in case Qualls tries to steal another vehicle to escape the area.

if you see Qualls or know anything about his whereabouts, contact the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department.