Posted on 02/28/2014 8:22:06 AM PST by WKB
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Madison Police respond to JPD charges involving high speed chase Posted: Feb 27, 2014 2:33 PM CST Updated: Feb 28, 2014 12:45 AM CST Posted by C.J. LeMaster - bio | email
MADISON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Last weekend's high-speed pursuit by Madison Police into Jackson is still turning heads, namely those in the Jackson Police Department. They say it never should have happened, and now JPD has asked for an independent investigation, one Madison Police Chief Gene Waldrop said he learned about from the media.
"We've received no press release or official notification from Jackson Police Department concerning this matter," Chief Waldrop said.
In a press release to WLBT News, JPD said Madison officers did not have the right to pursue and arrest two suspects in an auto burglary and credit card theft investigation.
"Our policy dictates that we do not chase criminals involved in property crimes," Jackson Police Chief Lindsey Horton said. "And that's what this was. I don't think it rose to the level, if you will, to the extent of a felony that we had to endanger citizens."
JPD also said Madison did not ask for assistance and Chief Horton said that outcome was costly.
"There was an inordinate amount of property damage, and of course, several individuals were injured in the process," Chief Horton said.
"We regret any injuries in this case, and we regret a pursuit -- you know -- did occur. In a perfect world, everybody's gonna stop their car, get out and put their hands up, but we don't live in a perfect world," Chief Waldrop said.
The release from JPD states an "alleged incident" occurred at the Target on County Line Road, outside Madison's jurisdiction. However, Madison police said their investigation led them to that store, and there was no incident just store employees who recognized the suspects and their vehicle.
That's what led to the chase and subsequent investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
"I know Chief Waldrop. He's a fine gentleman, fine professional, and I'm sure he, too, is scratching his head about this," Chief Horton said. "And occasionally we have officers who step outside of the scope of our directives and general orders, and I'm hoping that's all this is."
Chief Waldrop said he feels his officers were justified in the decision they made to continue the pursuit.
RELATED: Suspects arrested after police chase identified
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