There’s nothing unusual about people trying to break out of jail, but surely no one would ever try to break in.
At least that’s what local law enforcement officers thought before around 3 a.m. Wednesday.
All was quiet in the early morning hours at the Yazoo County Correctional Facility until a large 2016 Chevrolet Suburban came racing across the field between Miss. Highway 149.
At the wheel, according to Sheriff Jake Sheriff, was 19-year-old Jacob Atkinson of Flora.
The vehicle sped across the parking lot and crashed right into the front gate of the jail. The Suburban was heavily damaged, but it did not penetrate the gate. The driver fled the scene as deputies were responding
Yazoo City police officers caught Atkinson near the Yazoo River bridge on Miss. 149.
After failing a breathalyzer test, Atkinson was charged with second offense DUI, driving without insurance and driving with a suspended license.
Atkinson also faces felony malicious mischief charges.
“When he was interviewed about what happened, Atkinson said that he was afraid someone was after him and he thought he would be safe in the jail,” Sheriff said. “I’ve never seen anything like that before. We would have been happy to take him to the jail considering that he was driving while intoxicated.”
Investigators determined that Atkinson was coming from Carter Road and had crossed the bridge heading back toward Yazoo City when he turned toward the jail.
Sheriff said the worst part about the vehicle being so heavily damaged is that it was a loaner car from Herrin-Gear Chevrolet dealership in Jackson.
The Suburban is valued at over $60,000.
He finally gained entrance...
Atkinson remained in custody at the Yazoo County Jail at press time.
