Deputies with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office followed an assault suspect to Alabama — and back — Sunday night in a car chase which at points got up to about 80 miles per hour.
The chase began at about 7:40 p.m. when E-911 dispatchers received a call about a domestic dispute at the Motel 6 on Highway 45 during which Michael Taylor, 44, of Mason Road, allegedly threatened to slit someone’s throat. Columbus police officers responded to the scene, but Taylor had already left the motel.
County deputies, who had responded to back up police, pulled Taylor over at the intersection of Highway 45 North and Waverly Ferry Road a little after 8 p.m. before Taylor drove off again.
Taylor drove his white Chevrolet pickup through several city roads before getting on Highway 182 and driving toward the state line, attempting to run cars off the road as he went, said LCSO Chief Deputy Marc Miley. Taylor crossed the Alabama line, drove about 200 yards and turned around and drove back into Mississippi.
As Taylor entered the intersection of Lee Stokes and Highway 182 East, he crossed spikes deputies had laid down, and the pickup’s tires blew, ending the chase. Deputies then took Taylor into custody.
Miley said deputies don’t know why Taylor turned around and drove back into Mississippi.
Taylor is expected to be charged with his third offense of driving under the influence, which is a felony, and eluding police. He will also be charged with misdemeanor driving without a license.
Taylor is still in custody at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.