On Tuesday, December 6, a deputy with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Team identified a newer model Ford Bronco stolen out of Georgia traveling on I-20.

The deputy activated his blue lights and was able to get the vehicle to pull over. As the deputy got to the car and asked the driver for his identification, the suspect drove off, striking the officer as he pulled away.

The officer returned to his vehicle and pursued the suspect until later backing off for public safety as the suspect started driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of traffic on I-20.

Members of the Puckett Police Department soon spotted the vehicle on Highway 13 before continuing eastbound on Highway 18 into Smith County. Puckett PD, along with members of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, were able to get the vehicle stopped and take the suspect into custody on Highway 18 near Raleigh.

The suspect, identified as Timothy Benton, 34, of Atlanta, was transported to the Rankin County jail where he is facing multiple charges including assault on a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and possession of stolen property. He is also facing charges out of Georgia.

Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett will bring Benton before Rankin County Court Judge David Morrow for an initial appearance.