A high-speed chase through the community led to an injured police officer, a seizure of narcotics and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
Marcus Purnell was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Capt. William Nevels, with the Yazoo City Police Department, said the chase began around midnight last Thursday night at a safety checkpoint near Broadway and Water Street.
“Purnell was driving the vehicle, stopping at the safety checkpoint,” Nevels said. “He gave officers his identification, but then drove off from the scene. A high-speed chase then followed, traveling through the city and portions of Yazoo County.”
The Yazoo County and Humphreys County Sheriff’s Departments also assisted with the chase.
Purnell traveled north of Jerry Clower Boulevard, passing the Willie Morris Parkway, when he intentionally struck a police patrol car, Nevels said.
“It caused major damage to the patrol car, which led to the driving officer to be transported to the Baptist Medical Center Yazoo to receive medical attention,” Nevels said. “After striking the patrol unit, Purnell crashed into a ditch and was then apprehended by officers.”
Cocaine was also recovered from the scene, and the vehicle Purnell was driving was reported as stolen.
In other police news, Attreyuanna Miles was also charged with felony child abuse. The investigation continues in that case.
Also, Interim Police Chief Jay Winstead said the department will be out in full force over the July 4 holiday weekend to deter the use of fireworks and firearms within the city limits.
