TUPELO — The Tupelo Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred after a brief pursuit of a reported stolen vehicle early Sunday.
An officer on patrol received an alert about a stolen vehicle entering the city limits at about 12:50 a.m. and located a vehicle matching the description exiting a parking lot on North Gloster Street, police said in a news release. The officer confirmed it matched the stolen vehicle report.
Police said the officer followed the vehicle, observed traffic violations and attempted to conduct a traffic stop near North Gloster Street and Barnes Crossing. The vehicle did not stop and fled, and officers initiated a brief pursuit, authorities said.
The vehicle continued south on North Gloster Street, then turned onto Symphony Lane and later Mall Drive, police said. Authorities said it struck a curb while turning and continued to flee before losing control and crashing into a tree on Mall Drive. Police said officers did not use physical force to stop the vehicle.
After the crash, the driver ran from the scene but was apprehended a short distance away without further incident, police said.
Officers found multiple juveniles inside the vehicle and began rendering aid, authorities said. All occupants, including the driver, were taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. One juvenile passenger later died from injuries sustained in the crash, police said.
Police identified the driver as a juvenile. Any charging decisions will be handled through Lee County Youth Court and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, authorities said. Because juveniles were involved, no additional details were released.
