FROM THE HINDS COUNTY SHERIFF JUST AFTER 8 PM WEDNESDAY: The remains recovered in the burned structure in Carthage this morning have been identified as one of the escapees, Dylan Arrington. The cause of death is under investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
UPDATE:
According to law enforcement sources, Dylan Arrington barricaded himself in a home in Leake County earlier today after non-fatally shooting a Leake County deputy. The house then burned around him during a standoff.
A body was found inside the home, but it has not been identified yet as Arrington or anyone else.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol’s SWAT team and the U.S. Marshals were called to the scene. Attala County deputies were called in for backup as well.
We are awaiting official confirmation from Leake and Hinds County authorities on Arrington’s life status.
ORIGINAL STORY:
According to a post from the Leake County Sheriff’s Department, escapee Dylan Arrington may have been spotted.
Arrington is the one of four escaped inmates that is believed to have fatally shot Pastor Anthony Watts of Simpson County when he stopped to help him after a motorcycle wreck.
“Leake County Citizens, we ask that you be extremely cautious during this time. If you have suspicions of a trespasser on your property, please notify the Sheriffs Office, appose to taking matters into your own hands,” the sheriff posted. “If you hear noises, see something/someone, please notify us!”
Arrington is believed to be wearing dark-colored sweatpants and a dark colored hooded sweatshirt.
Watts was shot and killed Monday night, according to Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart. The shooting was reported around 7 p.m. on I-55 south frontage road near Old Byram Road.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a man lying face up in the road. After further investigation it was discovered that Watts had pulled over to help a man who appeared to have wrecked his motorcycle. Police later found the motorcycle was stolen.
Police say the suspect then shot the good samaritan several times and stole his red Dodge Ram 1500 truck. The truck has tan trim and a Cowboys sticker on the front and the back.
Investigators say the description of the suspect who stole the motorcycle and the Dodge Ram matches that of Arrington, one of the escapees from the Raymond Detention Center.
The Dodge was last seen headed south on I-55 in Terry.
Police are warning citizens to please proceed with caution as the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
Read more about Raymond Detention Centers escapees here.
