A Pearl Officer attempted a traffic stop on a Volkswagen Passat at the intersection of Hwy 80 and Hwy 49 because neither the driver nor his passenger was wearing a seatbelt at 6:08 p.m. Wednesday evening.
The driver fled onto I-20 westbound. The Pearl Officer pursued the vehicle and the suspect took I-55 south.
While traveling south near Elton Rd, the suspect rear-ended another vehicle. The contact caused the suspect’s vehicle to flip several times in the southbound lanes.
The Pearl officer’s car was damaged in the accident. Neither the bystanders nor the Pearl Officer were injured.
The suspect, 23-year-old Jared DVaughn Owens, from Madison, suffered a head injury and was transported from the scene by ambulance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
His female passenger from Jackson was not injured and was released with a citation.
Officers found numerous narcotics in Owens vehicle including:
- Powder cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy pills
- THC vape pens
- 3 guns / 1 gun stolen
- A large sum of money
Pearl Mayor Jake Windham said,
“It is unfortunate this ended in a violent wreck and the suspect was injured, but he did not have to run. We are grateful these illegal drugs and weapons are off the street. We hope this young man recovers and will answer to the charges. We are thankful there were no other injuries.”
When Owens is released from the hospital he will be charged with:
- Felony fleeing
- Possession with intent to distribute X2
- Trafficking controlled substances.
The Hinds County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the accident.
