STARKVILLE — Two people were arrested following a vehicle pursuit that began at a driver’s license checkpoint in Starkville earlier this month, according to police.
The Starkville Police Department said officers were conducting a checkpoint around 9:35 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2025, near Highway 389 and Garrard Road, when a vehicle avoided the checkpoint and fled. Officers initiated a pursuit but later terminated it due to safety concerns, police said.
A short time later, the vehicle was found wrecked on North Frontage Road between Columbus and Starkville by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said the driver was identified as Lanforth Lee, 36, of Shuqualak. Lee was arrested on Dec. 16 and charged with felony fleeing, reckless driving, and failure to use a signal. A passenger, Gina Hill, 38, of Columbus, was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact, a felony.
Starkville police thanked the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Starkville Police Department at 662-323-4131 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 800-530-7151. Tips may be submitted anonymously, and a cash reward may be offered.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
