A Columbus man died in a Saturday night crash after attempting to flee police, according to authorities.
Mississippi Highway Patrol Sgt. Derrick Beckom, in a Sunday afternoon press release, said 23-year-old Brandon Perry was driving west on Highway 12 when his car went off the north side of the road. According to the release, Perry’s car then crossed back onto the highway and collided with a tree.
Starkville Police Department, in a press release issued later Sunday afternoon, confirmed the wreck. According to SPD’s release, an officer saw a vehicle that did not stop at an MHP checkpoint at Highway 12 and Pat Station Road. The officer engaged his blue lights and attempted to stop the vehicle as it continued to travel south.
SPD’s release said the officer disengaged from pursuit due to the vehicle’s speed and safety concerns before reaching the Collegeview Drive exit and briefly lost sight of it. The officer found the vehicle again, off the side of Highway 12 between Spring Street and Russell Street.
Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt said his office responded to the incident at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday. He said Perry, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Beckom said Mississippi Highway Patrol’s investigation into the wreck, including whether Perry was under the influence of alcohol, is ongoing.
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