Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Two Lucedale Residents, Guns and Narcotics Seized

George County – In the early morning hours of Thursday around 1:10 a.m., a George County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling along Don Barton Road, which led to a large drug and gun seizure and two arrests.

The driver refused to comply, leading deputies on a vehicle pursuit lasting nearly thirty minutes. Additional deputies were called in to assist, and with coordinated efforts, a deputy successfully deployed spike strips, which brought the fleeing vehicle to a stop. During the pursuit, the passenger was observed throwing objects from the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Michael H. Sutton, 43, of Lucedale, and the passenger as Michelle L. Hile, 42, also of Lucedale. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms, controlled substances, jewelry, coins, and other property.

Sutton faces multiple charges, including:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Fleeing Law Enforcement
• Reckless Driving
• Possession of Paraphernalia
Sutton was also found to be wanted by the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a Probation Violation.

Hile has been charged with:

• Tampering with Physical Evidence

Both Sutton and Hile were transported to the George County Regional Correctional Facility, where they remain pending an initial appearance before a George County Justice Court Judge.

This case is being actively investigated with assistance from the George County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Sheriff Mitchell Mixon praised the work of his team, stating:
“I am extremely satisfied and thankful for the outstanding efforts of our Deputies, Narcotics Division, and Investigators. They have been doing an exceptional job in working together to keep dangerous criminals, drugs, and weapons off our streets. I want to give a special thank you to each of them for their dedication and commitment to protecting the citizens of George County.”

This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is urged to contact the George County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 601.947.4811.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 877.787.5898, visiting mscoastcrimestoppers.com, or through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.GeorgeCountyMSSheriff.com.