Suspect Apprehended Following Pursuit and Multi-Agency Search in Newton and Lauderdale Counties

NEWTON COUNTY, Miss. — A roadside safety checkpoint in Newton County led to a vehicle pursuit, an injured deputy, and a large-scale manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies on Wednesday.

According to Newton County Sheriff Joedy Pennington, deputies were conducting a roadside safety checkpoint when a vehicle occupied by two individuals approached the checkpoint. A deputy believed the passenger matched the description of a woman wanted by the Newton County Sheriff's Department on two indictments.

Authorities said the driver was asked to step out of the vehicle and was detained while the deputy attempted to verify the passenger's identity using a photograph. The passenger was identified as Bridget Harris.

As the deputy approached the vehicle, Harris allegedly moved into the driver's seat and accelerated away from the checkpoint. During the incident, the deputy was reportedly dragged by the vehicle through a ditch before managing to free himself.

Despite suffering injuries, the deputy was able to return to his patrol vehicle, and a pursuit was initiated.

The chase continued into Lauderdale County along Highway 494, where authorities say Harris stopped the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby pine thicket.

Law enforcement personnel from Newton, Lauderdale, Neshoba, and Union PD, along with the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), MFD, and local volunteer fire departments, responded to assist in the search effort.

The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Sheriff Pennington said the deputy is expected to recover from injuries to his shoulder and wrist.

The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department deployed K-9 Mark to assist in the search, while drone resources were being prepared in the event the search extended into the evening hours.

Authorities reported that K-9 Mark successfully located Harris in the wooded area. Harris was subsequently taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Officials indicated that charges related to the incident are expected to be handled through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) because the events occurred on a state highway. While formal charges had not been announced at the time of reporting, authorities indicated charges could include felony fleeing and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Sheriff Pennington expressed appreciation to all agencies and personnel who assisted in the search and apprehension effort and asked the public to keep the injured deputy in their thoughts as he recovers.

The investigation remains ongoing