Fleeing vehicle in high speed chase explodes on I-22

In the early afternoon of June 27, 2023, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) initiated the pursuit of a vehicle fleeing authorities in Itawamba County near the Alabama border.  Officers were in active pursuit of a gray Dodge Challenger “Hellcat”. The Hellcat is a special series of Challengers, much faster than other models. The pursuit continued westbound on I-22 at speeds approaching 130 mph. Lee and Union County Sheriff Deputies joined the pursuit as it neared their communities.

Near the Highway 30 overpass in New Albany, authorities attempted to spike the vehicle. In an effort to escape, the fleeing driver attempted to negotiate around two other vehicles – an 18 wheeler and a passenger car. The Challenger glanced off the 18 wheeler,  possibly struck the passenger car and then bounced off the guard rail. After continuing about 100 yards or so, the Challenger flipped several times and burst into flames on I-22, near the back of the Cracker Barrell restaurant.

After the explosion, the driver managed to get out of his auto and attempted to flee the scene on foot. He was chased down by officers of the MHP, Union County Sheriff’s Office and New Albany Police Department (NAPD). The Mississippi Highway Patrol took him into custody at the scene. His name has not been released. Charges will be placed by the MHP.

According to New Albany Police Chief Chris Robertson, the NAPD will likely charge him with leaving the scene of an accident with injury.

A female passenger in the private vehicle involved in the Challenger’s attempt to flee was taken to Baptist Union County for a precautionary check, but she was not believed to have sustained serious injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured.

It took about one hour for the west bound lane of I-22 to be cleared of debris and for traffic to resume.