Two crashes that occurred during a pursuit in Marion County Tuesday night have left two people dead and two others, including a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy, injured.
Dead are Damian Swarptue, 26, of Hattiesburg and Lacurtis Floyd, 22, of McComb.
They had fled Columbia police on U.S. 98 at high speeds and flew off the road into a dense thicket near C&S Road between Foxworth and Kokomo.
According to Trooper Travis Luck of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop J in Hattiesburg, investigation by troopers revealed that a 2013 Chevrolet passenger car driven by Kevin Allen, 40, of Jackson, left the left shoulder of the roadway causing the vehicle to overturn and collide with trees.
Swarptue, a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Floyd and another passenger, Tykevious Durr, 20, of Hattiesburg, were transported to Forrest General Hospital, where Floyd died. Durr is said to have “moderate” injuries.
Troopers also responded to a second crash at the same location involving a Marion County Sheriff’s Office cruiser. Initial investigation reveals that the MCSO vehicle ran off the left shoulder of the roadway causing it to overturn. The driver, a deputy whom authorities have not identified as of yet, was transported to the hospital with injuries.
According to a news release issued jointly by the Columbia Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia Police Department was conducting a safety checkpoint in the area of Mississippi 198 West when officers observed a vehicle approach that then began driving in a reckless manner to avoid the checkpoint.
The vehicle was able to turn around and began fleeing westbound on U.S. 98 in a manner that was dangerous to other motorists. A Marion County deputy was able to join the pursuit to give assistance. The pursuit continued on U.S. 98 west toward the Kokomo community and officers attempted to get in front of the suspect vehicle and clear a safe pathway for the pursuit. As the deputy attempted to pass the suspect vehicle it swerved and struck the patrol car which caused both vehicle to lose control and crash.
The deputy was transported by AAA Ambulance Service and treated for his injuries and later released.
AAA Ambulance Service also transported all occupants from the suspect vehicle for medical treatment.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and other criminal investigations are being conducted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Columbia Police Department.
During the course of the investigation multiple firearms were located in the suspect vehicle that appeared to have been fired recently. Those firearms will be sent to the Mississippi Crime Lab for testing.
Also during the initial investigation narcotic paraphernalia was found inside the vehicle.
On Facebook this morning, Swarptue’s mother, Rolanda Swarptue asked for prayers for the family.
“My heart is hurting so bad,” she said in her post. “He always keep me smiling. He took me out for my birthday. He always do that for his mama. I love you forever Damian Dupree Swarptue, Your beautiful smile will be missed. Rest in my peace my dear son.”
According to officials, no other information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
